August 19, 1530

        Babs started awake at the crack of thunder, reaching instinctively
for her husband.  Disoriented, it wasn't until she reached into empty space
and had to flail for balance that she remembered she was on the wrong side
of the bed, and why.  She couldn't make herself turn.
        Another crack of thunder sounded, ringing like a rifle shot, and Babs 
realized that beyond the thunder was only silence.  The power was out.  She 
shivered, relieved that Dick was no longer plugged in to the wall to stay alive, 
even as she heard the emergency generator kick in.
        As the thunder sounded again, suddenly she couldn't bear it.  They
used to make love when it stormed.  She rolled toward her husband, nestling
her head against his shoulder.  She could almost make herself believe that
the way he nuzzled her in response was a conscious reaction.  Almost.
        She felt Dick shudder as another peal of thunder rolled through the
room.  She leaned her face up to kiss his cheek tenderly, trying very hard
not to cry.