Lois Lenz, Lesbian Secretary - REVIEW

​Book review: Lois Lenz, Lesbian Secretary

     As my first traditionally published lesbian book this story will always hold a special place in my heart. That being said, I can't say that it's a book for everyone. 
     The book is about Lois Lenz, a girl who decides to leave her hometown and her first crush for the big city and her chance at a career job. While she's at her all girls boarding house she struggles to not just learn big city life, but that the boarding house has a secret. So does her Boss, Mrs. Pierson. 

     Published in 2007, but it takes place in 1959. That matters because it deals with a lot of cliche topics. It talks about communists in America and women in the work place. I personally believe these tropes are an important part of our history as women and as lesbians. I did also enjoy the retro feel of it overall. 
     It was a quick read for me, and it had a great flow that just took you through the story of Lois coming out and really finding her place in the world. The ending had a little dangerous twist that I seen coming but was still enjoyable.

Final thoughts: 4/5 stars. I wish that it didn't feel so outdated for being such a "newer" book.  

For more lesbian content click here

Hopeful plans

By this point I'm as tired of saying it as you all are of reading it, but over the next year I actually want to focus on my writing.

I want to get some books out, set up some daily habits. Really let myself have at the work that I love doing. Maybe even find a few rejection letters.

I have a lot of stuff from over the years all piled up. Some of it I believe is pretty decent. Some other things, not so much. The more I think about it, the more I feel drawn to write select stories and when I ask myself why. The answer is simple.

Because gay.

Told you, simple. It the world of stories you're told to wrote what you know. Well, I know a little about a lot. Doesn't mean I need to write a cookbook about 100 ways to use ramen noodles. Useful, I'm sure, but it wouldn't satisfy me. I need hope. I need struggle. I need the world to see a side of life that not everyone gets to experience.

I need to show someone that it gets better in a way that only I know. So stick with me friends. I'm working on some pretty intense lesbian stories. I can't wait to share them with you.

My Favorite part of writing Just Desserts

When writing there's always one moment while we work that stands out. My first short was no different. For me that moment came when I finally wrapped it all up. When I could see all the little details from the beginning tie into the final moments. It was then that the title even struck me.

I also greatly enjoyed the entire process of re-writing the novel years later. Some people asked why the second version that came out was changed so much and honestly, it was a simple answer. Once I got in there and started touching things up, I realized how far I had come with my personal writing style. So it got updated.

Check it out here:
Warning: saucy lesbian sex

Just Desserts- A History

Every story has a story. It has its own creation. Today I was to remember what made me start writing and a bit about my first published novel.

I had always enjoyed writing small gay things. My step father was my biggest supporter of those early days. He believed that I should get that stuff out to the public. He listened to me when I explained why I would ever want to be a lesbian author. This isn't that story.

He fell sick and while in the hospital things took a turn for the worst. He fell into a coma. I took my chance. I wanted to have a book published for when he came out. I was scared to push myself however, to finish it. In the end I waited too long. He sadly passed away while in the hospital. I published the first version of "Just Desserts" a week later.

Read the book here.
Warning: lesbian erotica. May not be appropriate for all ages.

Gullible Character - Writing Prompt

     She believed everything she was ever told. From a young age Lilly was always taught to tell the truth, she had always assumed that the rest of the world knew that as well. It was a blind faith that she had in people and grade school wasn’t much different from home. She figured sense the teachers were smart, they must know everything too and only speak the truth. Her classmates would tell her such amazing stories about Paris, or the magical creature that gave them every answer to homework. She never once thought to doubt them. She had no reason to. Her life went on around her as she kept her head up in the clouds. It suited her well.

High school started and was beyond eye opening. Lilly had many firsts in those days. Her first crush. Rayden was the star of the football team and everyone wanted him. Lilly followed her friends and listened to them talk about him. How hot he was, how someone else heard a dirty rumor about him. The girls would fly into a fit of giggles each time.

“Hey Lilly wait up!”

Hearing her name but not recognizing the voice, Lilly turned around. Her jaw almost dropped open with surprise. “Rayden, what’s up?” Her head cocked a bit as she spoke, it was an odd behavior but one that she had picked up.

Heather squealed at the news she was just told. “He’s such a player! Are you really going to go out with him?”

“Is he really?” Lilly pulled her legs up against her chest. “I don’t know who to believe, he seemed so nice and genuine.” Her brain spun as she sat there with her best friend.

Three days later Heather picked up her phone without thinking twice. She spoke into the phone, concern in her voice. “Are you okay? I didn’t hear from you after your date!” Her words flowed out at what seemed like five hundred words a minute.

Lilly on the other hand was holding herself back. Her tone was low and there was a hint of tears in her voice. “The stories were right, you were right. It was terrible.” Heather could hear the tears start to fall from her eyes.

In that moment, she believed everything that she had ever heard.  

Silver Mane- Part 4

     Alright, you all loved it and I am bringing it back, better than ever.

     Ana just escaped from being a slave only to land herself into a pack of werewolves. As if being surrounded by those monsters wasn't bad enough, but one of them is out to get her. Her only protection is the alpha who is in love with her new prize. Ana doesn't see a way out until she meets a countess in town and her world turns upside down again.


Read it here for free!

I Love Being a Lesbian

     Like really, most days it's just my favorite thing to do, not even in a sexual way. I work at an AMAZING place who is very LGBT friendly. Like even worldwide awards for being in the top of it all. Anyway, I love trolling my customers some days. I work downtown Chicago between the Magnificent Mile and Navy Pier. High end kind of area, lots of tourists. It never fails there are days where one of our customers gets angry at me for following company rules, and claims something sexist, or bigoted. 

     Sadly, I'm used to this kind of behavior so it's really easy to just ignore their hate. However, this one guy, he must have been having a really bad day and when I served him his food (He ordered hot food and I made it and brought it out to him.) and he said quite loudly that he wanted a refund because a 'nasty dyke' touched his food and couldn't believe how someone could let 'those people' work there. I snickered a bit and went to give him a refund. Due to my position, I have that power. 

     I never got a chance to give him said refund. My manager was sweeping the lobby at that time and just happened to overhear the conversation. They weren't too happy and promptly kicked him out for harassment. 

     I love my job, and I love being gay. 

     A few other perks include having a super cute girlfriend. Being able to complement girls and not being called a creep. Boobs. Having super cool hair. Boobs! A feeling of security with my partner. Did I mention boobs? 

     haha in all seriousness, it's great, and I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world.

Awesome new lesfic

     I was bumming around the other day on Wattpad and came across a new favorite author. I totally got sucked into Dear Mrs. Rose within the first chapter. It wasn't a perfect book, but by the gods it was amazing.

     I personally cannot wait to read more of her work. The characters were relateable, and the situation wasn't too outlandish (like I find a lot of teacher/student fiction). It was just overall really enjoyable and I found myself really sucked into it.

     Go check out what she has! She seems to write a lot of lesfic in different genres.
     Awesome New Lesfic Author!

Just Desserts Re-release!

Today I'm beyond happy to announce that my original story has had a face-lift. If you have enjoyed any lesbian fiction (or lesfic) please take a few moments to check out this book. I know you'll love it.
Click here to get your hot copy today!

Realization and Self Imposed Deadlines

     I've come to the recent thought process that I should have no problem at all getting one rough draft done every two months. That's about what I did during the holiday season while working two jobs. I can then take two months to work on edits and I should be able to get at least three books out per year with those numbers. 

     Time to impose some self infliced deadlines. This will also hopefully keep me on track with updating things and keeping my 'coming soon' page current. Here is my current line up of things that have already been in the works for too long. There is no order to theses. 

-Between Heaven and Hell

-A Good Cup of Coffee

-Lionheart Abyss short collection

-Kira and Danaca Holiday Short

-Nymph-Elf Romance Short; A errotica from the Lionheart Abyss series

-Lionheart Abyss

-The Adventures of Ragnar

-Silver Mane

-Lesbian Vampire Romance

Again, all of these are in different places right now, but it feels really good to see all of my current projects. Quite a few of these have been NaNoWriMo projects and are fairly far. Some will be full length, other's shorts, still others just collections. I can't wait.
By the end of 2018 I will have at least two of these done and released. Let me know what you are looking forward to.
x

Love is.

Love is understanding. I can't thank you enough for that kindness.

Love is forgiving. Even when I do wrong time and again, you find it in your heart to forgive me.

Love is teaching. Every day you show me something new.

Love is learning. I've worked through my frustration to understand you.

Love is an adventure. Live it.

I love being Gay

Like really. Girls are so pretty and I just can't help myself.

It also never stop amazing me the ways that I impress them. Story time!

I'm at my day job and working with all females. No big deal, I get along great with my co-workers. This one however, super sweet girl, breaks a nail. I ask if she needs some nail glue. "Yeah." She says a little heart broken. I tell her no worries I have some in my bag, I'll go get it. Her face is priceless and her nail is saved. You don't have to want anything from a woman other than her happiness.

I Saved My Girlfriend by Not Kissing Her

  In today’s world most of us don’t think twice about kissing out loved ones. Especially if they are about to leave for a trip or just away for a few hours. I don’t live near my girlfriend. She lives up in the city, I live outside, but we both go back and forth a lot. My day job is up there in said city, so it’s not like we don’t see one another often. The other day I was taking her to the train station, making it easy on my car instead of back and forth, and we got there early and sat in the car just talking. Sounds normal right? You would again in today’s world not think much of it. If you’re gay, or lesbian, or even trans however, you do actually think twice on things.

     I didn’t kiss her goodbye. It killed me and broke my heart, but let me tell you why.

     The entire time we sat there, two guys in a car next to us watched us. Intently. Not gesturing, not saying anything, just watching. It made my stomach knot. Fear crept into the back of my mind and warning bells went off. Something in my gut told me not to kiss her that day. Something told me not to be gay. She left on the train and I watched her walk through the doors. The moment she got through, one of the guys got out of the car and walked in after her. No bags, luggage, not even a backpack at nine o’clock at night going up to the city. It was odd. It scared me. I actually was afraid that something would happen to her.

     Did anything? No. But then again, I didn’t kiss her either.  

Hi, My Name is Skadia and I'm a Lesbian

     This isn't how the world works, when someone introduces themselves. It is however, how the world judges. I wanted to talk a bit about how I've been seen differently as a lesbian in just every day normal life. Some of my friends can't believe when I tell them things like this, but when they see it, they all seem to understand a bit more.

     "I don't want a dyke to touch my food." So my day job when I'm not writing is working at a movie theater. I really do love my job and the company is the most accepting that I have ever worked for. Being a lesbian doesn't matter to them. They are even super cool with Trans and just about anything else short of illegal activities. I have honestly had guests waiting in line, only that when I call them they wave me off or ignore me. Only to go to someone's register next to me and gripe 'under their breath' that they cannot imagine why anyone would let 'people like that serve food'. I've even had co-workers hear people talking about the 'stupid dyke who wouldn't -insert whatever rule I followed here-' It happens, a lot more than people realize.

     "You people should all just go die." Again another extreme thing, but I've heard it more than once.

     "Fucking dykes!" This gem is generally yelled out of car windows most often while I am walking with my girlfriend just holding her hand and talking. Or playing pokemon go. Sitting too close will also get the came reaction. I've even had some homeless guy harass me just because my hair is short and for once I actually 'looked gay'. That was a long bus ride.

     I could honestly go on and on about what other's have said or done to me all over the simple fact that I love someone, but I won't. That's not the message I want to send. It's not about hate, it's about love. It's about not being alone in this world. I wanted to share these with you all because you are not alone. Don't let their words control you. Rise up. It sadly won't be going away, you will have to deal with it, so don't let words bother you. They truly don't matter. I mean come on, these people aren't paying your bills, their opinion shouldn't matter one bit. Sure, it can still hurt, but don't take these things personally. You're better than that.

     ~Skadia, the writing panther, who just happens to be gay.

Day of Remembering

     I want to step back and take a moment to talk about something. I didn't even realize we were at the one year mark of the Orlando Pulse shooting. I still remember seeing it. I remember reading the stories about the EMT's showing up and the only sound being cell phones ringing. It still brings tears to my eyes. One year ago, someone decided to take lives just because he didn't agree with how they lived. It still hurts. This month is LGBTQ Pride month, and I cannot be more proud to stand up for the rights that we have fought for. We have come so far, but we also have a long ways to go.

     Be brave, I know it's scary, and events like what happened at Pulse really drive it home on how hard some of us fight. But we can do it. Together. With love. Don't forget, you are never alone. Reach out, talk to friends, family, call a help line if you need too. I know I'm always here to talk to if you need to vent, or cry. Hit me up on Twitter or even message me on Facebook. You are loved, and you matter. Never forget.

All my love
~Skadia

Silver Mane Part 13

     “What’s going on? Why does Kavos suddenly have such a problem with me?” Ana stood her ground and stomped her foot into the dirt, tears behind her eyes. She just finally started to feel like she was making ground with the pack and then this whole mess. He was so mad at her when really she was the one that had almost just died.

     Alice sucked in the cool evening air and sat down. Her fur kept the chill off of her. Ana was too mad to be cold, at least at this point in her range. “Sit please.”

     “I’m not your pet to command!” Ana snapped back at her.

     Alice again took another deep breath. She wasn’t the beta of the pack so there would be no rolling, but she did respect Ana as an alpha. As odd as the situation was, she really did love her alpha, and this was her choice in mates, so be it. “Forgive me Miss, I just didn’t want you to stand through a very winded explanation.” She lowered her head and didn’t look the human in the eyes.

     Ana looked at the wolf before her, her gaze softened as she noticed her body posture. The wolf kept her head down and for once Ana started to feel bad for the wolf. She decided to sit down. She was still mad about what was going on, but at least she would get some answers. If this was going to continue, she was going to leave. This wasn’t what she signed up for, again, she didn’t want any of this. She never asked to be a slave, and the tears finally burst through. “I’m sorry, this is all just too much. None of it makes sense, and I just can’t.” She buried her face in her hands and let the tears run down her face and pool in her hands.

     Alice sat there watching, she didn’t know if she should just continue or let the girl cry. Humans are so confusing to her and she cocked her head. Without thinking she scooted over to the woman and wrapped her arms around her, pulling her close to her chest. Ana snuggled into her fur and slowly stopped crying. Alice took that moment and told her a story from all too long ago.

     “Many moons ago, before the Elders created the council, before the humans made their castles there was only the night.” Her voice was calm and soothing, this was the story of their pack. One that every pup had heard at one time or another. She knew it by heart. “In the night there were monsters. Some lived in the water, some in the sky, but the ones that lived on land, fought for it. There was never enough land for each to have his own.” She took a deep breath and ran her paw through the woman’s hair. Her eyes closed as she continued the story. “There were two clans. One of fur, and one of blood. We hunted together at one point, but those days didn’t last forever. One hard winter animals became scarce. Food was limited and the two clans were getting possessive over the limited food. The blood clan turned towards humans for food. Their new prey quickly became their favorite. The humans however, entranced by their charm and beauty turned against the other creatures. They turned on the wolves that lived in the area. The fur clan was hunted, skinned and hung on walls. The blood clan, they blended in with their prey. Sense then, the two have turned against one another. They will never hunt together again.”

     Ana had found comfort in the wolf’s voice and by the end of the story her tears had stopped all together. “So that’s why you hate each other? Because vampires started killing humans and wolves though it was wrong.” Her statement showed that she was paying attention.

     “In short I suppose that would sum it up fairly well. Of course there is much more to it, but I won’t bore you with politics.” Alice looked down at the woman who had curled up in her lap. She missed her pup in that moment and her heart hurt, the sadness welled up to her eyes like it hadn’t done for many many moons.

     Ana interrupted her thought process with a simple question this time. “Why was Kavos so mad at me then?” Her brain could wrap around the concept of hating the vampire for killing people, but why be mad at her. She was in trouble and some random woman helped her.

     “The simple answer to that, is because he cares.”

     “And the longer answer?” Ana prodded.

     The wolf sucked in a deep breath while her brain tried to figure it out herself. At least how to explain it to a human. To a wolf, it was simple, but she didn’t quite think that Ana would understand it the same way. “First off, he was in a panic because he didn’t know if she has already claimed you. That would have been all sorts of bad. You would then be the most important piece in a very bloody war. Another reason I’m sure is that if anything happened to you while you were in his care, Stela would,” She tried to find the right words without telling Ana the gruesome truth. “Well, let’s just say that your she-wolf wouldn’t be so happy or forgiving about that.” She couldn’t help but laugh a little at her own wording. “Mostly though, he was scared. Scared of loosing you. Of that blood sucker stealing your would or hurting you.”

     “But she actually saved me.” Ana tried to point out, thinking that it would make the entire mess easier.

     “He didn’t know, nor do I think it matters at this point. First off, you are safe, so that’s good. Second, and the bigger of the two issues, we now know there are vampires in the area.”

     “The people in the village seemed to know her and respect her. The guy was about to hurt me, and when she stepped up in turned into a puppy.” Alice twitched at the word. “Oh sorry.” Ana laughed a bit as she wiped away her final tears.

     “Of course they do. Her family, or at least she, has been around for most of their lives. They all know her so to speak.” Alice explained.

     “Doesn’t that mean then that the town would be more accepting of the pack then?”

     “Yes and no. I doubt they realize what she is. However, it does seem that they are accepting of long living families. I don’t think our problem will be with the town. More so with them.” Alice let the silence creep over the two in the small cave. The rest of the pack should be back any moment. She pulled the exhausted Ana into her arms and against her chest and within moments the woman was fast asleep.

Silver Mane update

     I finally got myself back on track and am happy to announce that this Wednesday there will be another Silver Mane post. I'm also working on a few other little things that are exciting to me, so be on the lookout.

Summer Time

     It's that time of year again, school is letting out and summer starts. The downfall, that beautiful teacher that you had a crush on all year, is now gone. Your shot of getting banged on her desk, sadly gone. Here's some good news, you can go check out my series "Lesson Learned" and relive all those juicy moments. It's free for all you Amazon Prime members.

Silver Mane Part 12

Start Here

     Ana kept pace with the woman, the illusion never breaking as her eyes stuck fast to the ground. She fell into a rut. She knew what she was supposed to do, after all she was just a runaway slave, and you don’t go running off after someone just saves your life. The woman stopped and turned on her heel, her head held high. “Oh, I’m sorry dear, didn’t realize you were still following me. Can I help you?” There was a deep hunger in her eyes as they narrowed at Ana.

     The young girl was taken aback. She honestly didn’t know quite what to say or really what was going on. “No.” She ended up stammering out the simple word while fear welled up inside. She didn’t have to say much more because finally Kavos had caught up to her and she spotted him in the crowd. “Oh!” Her full attention turned towards him and the mysterious woman turned to look as well. She wrinkled up her nose as he came near. There was a low growl and immediately Ana realized something was off between the two. “Thank you again miss.” She bowed low trying to break the tension of the two. “This is my half brother,” it was the lie that they ran with, after all it was simple enough. “I got separated.”

     Ana was about to say more but Kavos stepped up, his chest was pushed out and every muscle was tense. “I’ll be taking her home now.” There was a growl as he wrapped his hand around Ana’s wrist. It was so tight that she began to worry that he might actually hurt her, or worse, shift back.

     The woman turned her attention to the girl. She held Ana’s gaze and spoke only to her. “If you ever get tired of running with animals, come find me again.” She smiled, it was a wicked smile. She knew everything. Even Ana could tell, but she didn’t know how.

     Kavos growled again deep in his throat and pulled Ana away before she could say anything. Her eyes were fixed on the woman as she disappeared into the crowd. As the two seemed to rush from the city. As soon as the thriving village was behind them Kavos shifted back into his wolf form. It seemed a lot less painful but it didn’t seem any more pleasant to watch. Without word or warning he grabbed at Ana. His paws gripping her shoulders hard. “Did that bitch touch you? What did she do!?” He was yelling and shaking the small woman.

     His anger scared her. Ana couldn’t understand what was going on. She couldn’t help herself and started to sob while the hulking white wolf stood there shaking her and yelling. She tried to find her voice in the madness that was going on around her. “Kavos… Stop… Please.” She could only get one word out at a time while he shook her. The pressure on her shoulders was starting to hurt and she could feel his claws digging into her skin. Tears raced down her face leaving clean trails where they went.

     “Kavos!”

     Ana melted at the voice that echoed around them. It was enough to stop the white wolf in his anger but he didn’t let her go. Either way, Ana didn’t care. Stela was there, she was safe. Her wolf was there and everything was going to be okay.

     Stela stood up on her hind legs, making herself as tall as she could and she squared her shoulders while she made her way down the small rocky ledge she had been standing on. “Let her go Kavos.” There was a bellowing growl deep within her chest. Her movements were slow but deliberate. Kavos let Ana go and took a stumbling step back as his mind returned to him. “What happened?”

     Ana ran to the alpha and threw her arms around the large wolf. Stela picked her up as if she was a child and the woman ran her hands through the animals thick fur. It was beginning to feel like home. She took a deep breath and smelled the scent of her wolf and for the first time she really started to notice her. Stela was always dark to her, but now that she looked she could see how her back was much darker than the front, save for one small patch at the base of her neck and between her shoulder blades.

     “There was an enemy in the village. She was after Ana. Or Ana was after her, I don’t know and I don’t care. All I seen was her,” His paw pointed to the woman who was curled up his alphas arm. “following a blood sucker.” He spat the last words. It was so out of character for him to be so mad, normally that was Aurel, but for some reason Kavos felt as if for the first time, this human had put him in danger.

     “Calm down Kavos. Alice, please go take Ana back to the den.” Her eyes never left her second in command. Alice stepped up and held out her arms, and Ana was dropped into them.

Silver Mane Part 11

Oh dear gods it's been over a month sense I've posted on of these. I am so sorry everyone! If you need to start over, all chapters are linked and shouldn't take long to read through. 
Start Here


     Ana glanced at her travel companion as she walked out, food in her hand. It was such a small glance, no more than if she was looking over to see what was on his plate. There of course would be a time gap from when she left and Kavos decided to leave as well, but again, it was safer that way. The girl took this opportunity to explore the town a bit more. They would be living here now and it wouldn’t hurt to get to know it a bit better. She wandered from one stall to the next looking at what each had to offer. One was filled to the brim with dried flowers. Some had been pressed into glass, others just hung in bunches. Her hand traced the one that was in the glass. It was smooth and perfectly preserved. Ana’s nimble fingers picked it up and brought it closer to her face to get a better look.

The stand keeper was less than kind. The man was massive and built like an ox. His muscles arm muscles bulged as did the veins around his neck. There was a look of anger on his face. He reached over the small wooden stand without even having to get up from his seat. His sausage like fingers wrapped around her arm, all the way around. His hand made her arm look like a twig. He pulled her into the tent and his foul breath assaulted her, even through the heavy scent of flowers. “Ye weren’t try’n ter pilfer ‘dat were ye?” His words were garbled with his heavy accent.

Ana’s blue eyes widened as she realized what this man was. He was no normal merchant, he had to have been a pirate. His face was covered with stubble and scars, his hands were well worn and his skin was as tan as Tucker’s fur was. Fear flooded her and she pulled away from him. It was no use his grip was too strong. “Let me go! I was only looking.” She tried to pull away again and it still was of no use.

“Ya look w’th yer eyes naught yer han’s.” He snarled and started to stand up.

“She’s with me.” There was a cool voice that while low, seemed to dance right around the crowd. “I would let go of her, if you know what’s good for you.” A woman walked up to the small booth. Each step was graceful and she seemed to have a power behind her.

The pirate looked up from Ana, ready to challenge whoever threatened him but as his eyes met this woman they widened and his grip relaxed at once. “Sorry Miss, didn’t know she was yer’s.”

Ana looked back at her savior and her jaw hit the floor. The woman who had defended her was beautiful. Her hair was long and jet black and her skin was flawless. It took her only a few moments though to remember what was going on around her. She went right back into slave mode. She bowed low and kissed the woman’s hand. “I’m sorry Mistress, I just thought these would look lovely in the drawing room but I wanted to make sure they were real and not some cheep fake.”

“Fake!” The man behind the stand started to rage again and when he stood his head smacked against the top of the small stand. He seemed to have more to say but it was interrupted by the pain.

Again the strange woman took control of the situation. “And she did right to me by that.” Her eyes narrowed at the pirate. She wasn’t just beautiful, she was dangerous. Again he took on a calming demeanor and sat down. “She was also correct that they would look nice in my drawing room, however, you sir have left a bitter taste in my mouth. Come girl.” She commanded and just started walking back towards the center of town. Ana could only follow her.

The vendor seemed to have calmed himself and called out to her as the women started to move. “Wait miss! I’ll ha’ve the price. What’dya say?”

The elegant woman froze and smiled. She turned on her heel and walked back to the small table and picked up the small glass plated flower. She too turned it over in her hand and looked intently at it. “Deal.” Her tone was still unamused, but at least the man had made the sale. She tossed a few coppers down onto the wood and walked away without another word.