Somehow, about half an hour later, this happened. Max was sitting in Vonda's living room, holding her in his arms. He was still trying to calm her emotional turmoil, with one hand constantly running soothing strokes down her back.

Smiling slightly, Max felt a mixture of emotions. There was a sense of tenderness and amusement. So, it was not surprising that Max chuckled a few moments later.

Vonda stopped sobbing. She lifted her face to look at Max and pout.

“You're laughing? I'm here crying and you're laughing, Max? Seriously.”

Max looked away, trying to hold back his laughter. But he could not help it. Finally, he spoke with a...