I stood straighter and nodded solemnly at the woman. She smiled back. “Please give me your note,” she ordered. I did not move. “Hello? Your note, please. Barkley! I am speaking to you!” It took all my strength to comprehend her instruction and move forward. Her sweet scent was overpowering as I grew near to her. I held out the note, willing myself not to tremble. It was in vain. As she took the piece of paper from me her hand squeezed mine gently but firmly. “Be brave, lad. It will be over soon,” she whispered. I flushed and looked away in shame. She read the note in silence, then placed it inside the folder and put that on the desk next to her.
A Trip to the Head16
