Then the rope caught on someone's heel - Heddon's, it looked like to Susannah, although later all would take the blame so none had to feel bad - and they sprawled in the dust, gasping and laughing. Eddie, clutching his chest, caught Susannah's eye. "I'm havin a heart attack, sweetheart, you better call 911".

She hoisted herself over to where he lay and put her head down so she could kiss him. "No, you're not" she said, "but you're attacking my heart, Eddie Dean. I love you."

He gazed up at her seriously from the dust of the dooryard. He knew that however much she might love him, he would always love her more. And as always when he thought these things, the premonition came that ka was not their friend, that it would end badly between them.

If it's so, then your job is to make it as good as it can be for as long as it can be. Will you do your job, Eddie?