****
"What were you saying, Snake?" asked Ken.
"You know, I don't remember," said Snake. He shook his hairy head. "Must be old age and good wine. I'm getting used to afternoon siestas, maybe."
"I think I was starting to doze off myself," said Doll. "We were talking about camping, I think. While Mary takes her nap why don't I go to that sporting-goods shop and get camping equipment for me and Snake as well as for Ed and Mary? I could use some fresh air anyway."
"Sounds like a plan," said Ed, as Doll stood up unsteadily and headed out. "Go in Mack; he can carry more stuff than your Harley can."
"I better let Mack drive," Doll said.
"Did something strange just happen?" asked Mara.
"Not that I noticed," said Ken.
"Don't ask me," said Ed. "I think I drank too much wine. I might have been talking to Ken but whatever it was about is all fuzzy."
"It's been a long day of driving," said Ken. "Maybe we should have all taken a nap like Mary.
"I think I'll go check on Mary now," said Ed, as he stood up unsteady on his feet. He still felt strangely groggy. Climbing the stairs earlier carrying Mary had been easier to do than climbing the stairs alone was now. He plopped down on the bed next to Mary and quickly fell asleep.