The fear, terror, and trepidation that had gripped me then returned with a vengeance. My only thought was that I was about to lose another loved one, just like I did two years ago when I watched Suzy and our children die. The fear was so intense that I felt like I was going to watch a repeat of that tragic night.

But then, as I glided my tongue through Jasamina's mouth and used it to mate with hers, I felt a sense of relief wash over me. For a brief moment, the horror of the past was ...