From the minute he walked in, he knew it was going to be a bad deal. The room reeked of old cigars and bad mackerel. A grey haze hung about waist high. So much for hitting the big time, he thought. The lighting was terrible and the carpet was spattered with stains. And worse yet, he was stuck with just a single power outlet. The sound of dripping water echoed from the next room. It couldn't get any more 'third world' in here. The only thing he needed to do now was try to figure out how to get out of this. And, of course, his allergies start kicking in. It happens when he gets nervous. No time for complaining as it was already close to five. And the puppy needed to be kicked. Hard. He had a quick thought back to the old days. Easy times. Hardly ever a care and the sun was so bright. Happy birds chirping blissful songs. Beautiful, colorful flowers. Enough with the distractions! Did he have it in him for one more - just one? email: [email protected] web: www.michaeloster.com