“I was part of your train but my railroad car was disconnected andswitched at the track, and now my friends and I are on a separate journeylearning how not to rock the lifeboat, sending out a patient S.O.S to you forhelp. I reach out with love, possibly one of a dying breed, the old survival of the fittest theory, or perhaps I am throwing you a lifeline from my Rectangular Bubble.”

“I promise you. You will survive this. Feel my hand. It is yours now, my queen. I promise you. I am yours.”

“I am wild, if you like; but I stayed in my burrow a long, long time, - nibbling your straws and snapping at your fingers, but always just a little out of reach. Until at last I got to trust you so much that one day I ventured out for a minute, - and you threw rocks at me. And I will never come out again.”

“Your a lovely creation, I'd like to think that I am too. My friends said I look better with out you.”

“I thought I'd broken you.""Broken? Me? Oh no, Ana. Just the opposite."He reaches out and takes my hand. "You're my lifeline'" he whispers.”

“I swear to you, Nora Grey, on this day, from now and forever, to give myself to you. I am yours. My love, my body, my soul—I place in your possession and protection.” He held out the ring, a single offering, a binding promise.”