Chapter 37: A New Skull, Part 37

NARRATIVE of WARD COURIER, Continued

January, 2009

RUSKIN, NY

She didn't feel tender, though. Her joints felt craggy, like she could do damage with them, like she had been given a natural physical strength way beyond what her appearance would suggest. Her knee against the side of my own actually hurt.

"Njeetp!" went the bird again. Lys jumped up to minister to it. Gone the rod, in about ten seconds. I eased back into the bed, looking at the ceiling, determined to keep my cool. As far as it went.

Lys jumped back into bed and snuggled up next to me. "If we're hanging out here, I have to get some of these lights out," I said. I jumped up and did just that.

"Whatever floats your boat," she said.