Barnabus told me as he struggled to keep Michael standing up. Cedric’s brother lived over the tavern and as Cedric had far too much to drink as well, Cedric slept there.
I drove home alone. I knocked on Mildred’s door and she said to come in as the door wasn’t locked. Pepper was glad to see me; her tail was wagging so hard I thought the poor dog might break in two. Mildred sternly said “Pepper!” and the dog's tail dropped as Pepper headed for her bed. I almost headed for my bed as well, until Mildred came to the door with a welcoming expression on her face.
“I just wanted to tell you I understand,” said Mildred. “I never cared for the Kinzu Tales of Adventure, but my brothers lived for them. To this day, if a Kinzu were to come to one of my brothers and say that something needed to be done, I have no doubt that my brother would drop everything and go do it.”
“I couldn’t disappoint a Kinzu warrior Millie; I just didn’t want to disappoint you either. I really want you to keep being my friend.”
“I’ll always be your friend no matter what,” Mildred said with a gentle smile. “Bob, I just want you to be happy. Meet a nice girl, settle down. I would love to see your children running around the estate. You have your belt; you have nothing more to prove. I just want you to stop fighting things that could easily kill you.”
“I can’t promise that Millie. If you had seen the way the Kinzu looked at me. If you had heard them cheer.”
“What if next time your ability doesn’t take over and save you?” Mildred asked me.
“I know quitting would be the smart thing to do. I just don’t know if I can. I liked people thinking I was a hero, even if I was just watching myself kill those monsters.”
She gave me an understanding smile. “All I ask is that you be as careful as you can and once in a while let me introduce you to a nice girl. A girl who can convince you how much more fun it would be to stay on Cocuru and raise a family.”
Mildred gave me a hug that was the best part of the adventure. I was finally home again.
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