standing_outside_the_fire lostgirl the entire family was gathered around the pool...the burgers were grilling, the corn was steaming, and everyone was laughing and talking about this or that, while garth brooks’ poignant plaintive wail wafted ‘standing outside the fire’ through the outdoor speakers and into the late summer evening. your mom looked like she had positively swallowed a canary as she waited patiently for you to finish a conversation with your dad. she clearly wanted your attention; she had something to say, for sure. i was already slightly annoyed with her following the heated debate we‘d had earlier regarding big ben’s suspension. (she actually stated with a straight face that she thought he was an innocent victim in the big scandal, and that it was the girl that ‘took advantage’ of him....) recalling this and shaking my head, i bent over to mop up some spilled chocolate milk with a wet paper towel, only halfway listening as her voice faded into the background. ‘guess who i saw yesterday?’ she blurted louder than necessary.(was it my imagination, or was she addressing me as much as him?) “who?” you asked, now intrigued. i looked up at the very moment she spoke her name, and i did not miss the shadow of guilt cross your face as you glanced sharply over to see if i’d heard. i heard all right. and i raised my right eyebrow, in response, unsmiling. but ironically, as_we_go_on it just doesn’t hurt as much anymore. 100823 what's it to you? who go blather from