Today was day number three on the job. I've already managed to fall in love with one girl on my team who just tickles me endlessly (figuratively). She has a phobia of dead rodents...wanna know why? Not because they're vermin—no, of course not that. Not because they're dead—not that either, silly. She has a phobia of dead rodents because she's convinced herself that someone is going to pick "it" up and chase her with it.

"How does someone develop such a phobia?" I found myself asking. She looked at me wide-eyed and fresh-faced, totally innocent—this girl's the real deal. She shrugged in slow motion and looked completely vulnerable. I felt very protective then...for the girl who out-highs me by a decent 7-10 inches. I went to pat the back of her hand where it rested on the table when she turned to continue her streaming vignettes.

"I like dead crabs, though. I play with their claws and pretend like I'm going to pinch my kids with them. They get so freaked out! It's so funny!"

I withdrew my hand where it hovered over hers, and tried to look disapproving through my laughter.