/authors/number10/Recent content in Number10 on Gromet's Plaza ArchiveHugoen-usTue, 15 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0000/stories/2009/12/15/careless-wish/Tue, 15 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0000/stories/2009/12/15/careless-wish/<p>Jon and Beth came back from their afternoon outing tired but happy. They had spent the afternoon hiking in the sunshine through dense forests and past shimmering lakes. It was their weekend ritual.</p> <p>Later in the evening, there was another part of the ritual. Jon always looked forward to it, although he never let Beth know it. He waited for her to ask the usual question.</p> <p>Beth seemed embarrased. She had just come fron the shower and sat on the bed near Jon. &ldquo;Um, honey? Would you mind…uh…checking? Please?&rdquo;</p>