“Hello,” she answered. I recognized her voice immediately.

“Hi,” I replied scratchily, suppressing a nervous cough.

“This is the Goddess Marquesa,” she said, “to whom am I speaking?”

“My name is Ralph.”

“Well, Ralph,” she purred, “I don’t recognize your voice. Are you a first-time caller?”

“Yes.”

“You are a lucky boy, Ralph. Today is July 1st. Do you know what day that is?”

“No,” I answered.

“It is My birthday.” Read more…