" I opened the bag and pulled out a small box of chocolates. She flashed me a huge smile that would have looked totally real … if I didn’t know her better. Her face went bright red now as she stammered, She stopped as I held out the bag. I said. She looked in and let out a choking laugh. Then, still grinning, she reached in and pulled out a penlight, a Swiss army knife and a purse-sized can of mace. She sputtered another laugh. I said. She smiled up at me. She rose on tiptoes again and put her arms around my neck. "