<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><div style="text-align: justify;">Catherine laughed at her friend's apparent distaste for her kiss. That was exactly the reason why she made a point of kissing him. Too young to read anything into a kiss from a girl to a boy, she only did it to upset her friend for a moment. And only when she had something to offer, like a story or something her mysterious visitor had brought her. Today, she had both. The story was in her mind, and the gift - she had made a point of asking for one to be given to her friend - was in the small bag she carried.<br/><br/><span style="color: #BF00BF">"I am glad. I would not want you getting sick as well"</span>, Catherine replied when the boy said he had been well. Patiently, she waited for his explanation on the reason why he had been at home for all the time she had been sick. When he finally came up with a reason, Catherine pondered for a moment. She nodded then. <span style="color: #BF00BF">"I see. I hope now that I am not sick anymore you will make some time for me"</span>, she replied.<br/><br/>All the thoughts flew from her mind, though, as David said he would beat her to the harbor. He usually did, either because he was faster, or because Catherine had the kindness to slow down a little. This time she did slow down, but not for her sake. Whatever she carried in her bag clearly concerned the girl, and she reached the shore almost a full minute after her friend.<br/><br/>Peeping inside the bag, the girl sighed in relief. It hadn't been ruined by the running. <span style="color: #BF00BF">"You beat me again. Now, let us find a place to sit. I have a story and a gift."</span> The girl smiled wickedly. <span style="color: #BF00BF">"This one is <span style="font-style: italic">really</span> good. There is even a man walking the plank"</span>, she stated.</div></span>