“I closed my eyes and willed my breath to slow, my conscious mind to fold itself inward. I could feel heat pulsing from my daughter's head, her frantic thoughts whirling like broken glass. I loosened my hold on my body and dropped into that whirlpool.”

“It slammed into me so hard it nearly knocked me from my feet. At the same time, it felt completely natural. Inevitable. Simple. I loved her. My eyes dropped closed, savoring the truth soaking my body, my nerves thrilling in excitement while my heat beat with a steady content. I loved her.”

“Far away, I could hear them lapping up my brains. Like Macbeth's witches, the three lithe cats surrounded my broken head, slurping up that thick soup inside. The tips of their rough tongues licked the soft folds of my mind. And with each lick my consciousness flickered like a flame and faded away.”

“Struggling for my life, I gagged. The creature's strength unbelievable. There was nothing I could do. Its face was very close and it opened its mouth. Turning my head the opposite direction, I could feel the heat of breath on my ear. I struggled as hard as I could. It wasn't enough. Its teeth were bearing down on my neck: drool dripped soaking my collar.”

“It's like swimming, underwater, this whole year. I just close my eyes. hold my breath, and keep kicking.”

“I leaned my head back and closed my eyes, my mind a jumble. So much for breaking it off gently, I thought. The humor helped my mind clear, but I couldn't laugh. What would happen next?”