If there is ever a tomorrow when we are not together there is something you must always remember: you are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem and smarter than you think, but most important of all, even if we are apart, I'll always be with you. (Christopher Robin)

The night before I got released I spent some time down on the beach alone. I spoke with God. I thanked Him for his help and support and warned Him that I would need a lot more of it real soon. Little did I know that turned out to be a muted request.

Gloria came by.

“Tommy called for you.”

“My father?”

“No, the other one.”

“What did he want?”

“He didn't say but it sounded like something was wrong.”

I dismissed it. “That's not my problem anymore, that's not my life anymore.”

“I'm proud of you,” Gloria said. I was surprised. “I'm actually going to put an effort into this and I'm going to get out.”

“That's great.”

“I figure if you can do it anyone can.”

“Gee thanks.”

“So Tommy is like your old friend? What does that mean? Was he like your boyfriend?”

I laughed then flatly added, “No.”

“He seems nice.”

I laughed again. Then I realized what she was getting at and I laughed even more. “You're interested in Tommy?”

“Only if you've never been with him. I don't want to do everything you do.”

I hugged Gloria. I did that sort of thing now: affection, love, not a problem.