#although I’ll probably not choose critical care medicine

[dangerousfellowsloveblog-blog]

Dangerous Fellows Walkthrough

Since I had the fortune to finish Dangerous Fellows pretty quickly and have few friends who are playing with me, I decided to make this one. I also I’ve seen no walkthrough about this game, I really hope that there was one, and that everybody who did that decided to not get angry at me.

Also if you find any errors please be free to tell me so, I’m not 100% accurate as I want to be.

++ = your affection grows a lot.

+ = your affection grows a bit.

- = your affection doesn’t grow at all or really a little.

Episode 1

 Are you alright?

Yeah, thanks. (+)

No. (-)

How about you? Are you hurt? (++)

This is pointless!

Well, if you don’t feel like it. (-)

I just wanted us to get along. (++)

I just wanna know your name. (+)

Episode 2

 You seem to have something to say, right?

Uh, yeah. (++)

 …Not really. (-)

Umm… (+)

Once you are infected,

The symptoms arise within 24 hours. (Ethan, -)

The symptoms arise within an hour. (Ethan, ++)

The symptoms arise within 10 minutes. (Ethan, +)

Before I met you guys,

I found some weapons. (Ethan, -)

I found some medicine. (Ethan, +)

I found some food. (Ethan, ++)

Episode 3

 I pick up the fire extinguisher and…

Squeeze the trigger. (Ethan, -)

Pull the safety pin. (Ethan, ++)

Hold out the nozzle. (Ethan, +)

Look at you. You thought you could rescue us?

I know, right? (++)

I didn’t want people to get hurt. (+)

… (-)

Episode 4

 I contemplate for a bit. Should I keep going?

Oh well. Why not? (Ethan, +)

I’m not too sure… (Ethan, -)

Why should I? I’m going back! (Ethan, ++)

So, what’s your pick?

I’ll take the schoolyard. (Harry, ++)

I’ll take the rooftop. (Harry, +)

I’ll take the lab. (Harry, -)

Episode 5

You got some balls, woman. Aren’t you scared?

I’ll still be inside the building. Should be fine. (-)

Of course I’m scared. (+)

Well, if you could help me… (++)

Episode 6

 Oh I see! You wanted someone else to be your partner, huh?

Of course I did. (-)

I’m not saying anything. (+)

Haha, no way! C’mon! Let’s go. (++)

CRITICAL*

 Must find something I can get good use out of,

Let’s look carefully. (++)

Nothing will help much. (-)

I’m too scared. (-)

Does this mean…

…It’s gone? (-)

I wonder where it’s headed now. (-)

I just hope it’s not back to the front door. (++)

I turn the lock as slowly as I can so it doesn’t click.

Okay, it’s unlocked. But I’m still afraid to open it. (-)

There’s no time to contemplate! Just start running! (++)

I can’t… I’ll get caught. (-)

*only if you do the right chooses you will see the scene and complete the critical event.

Episode 7

Not really. I was just taking care of some things.

Must be a lot of work being a leader. (+)

Like what? I could’ve helped. (++)

You should’ve just got some rest. (-)

Should I say something?

Nah, who cares. (-)

You wanna switch it with me? (Eugene, 100 rubies)

That’s why so many people…

You must have been so disappointed. (++)

Paid their dues. (-)

It must have been difficult for you. (+)

Nightwatch

Here you can decide with who doing the Nightwatch, with the cost of one ticket. There are no multiple options, but you will get a photo with the guy. I don’t know if that counts in the story or not, I hope it counts.

 Episode 8

Ethan responds briefly and turns his head toward the windows.

(Does he not wanna talk to me?) (-)

(Look out the window together) (+)

Don’t worry. They’ll be back soon. (++)

You know, we gambled.

So, how did that turn off? (+)

What’d you do that for? (-)

Next time, I’ll be the one bringing lots of food. (++)

What are you thinking about?

Tell the truth. (100 rubies)

Dodge the question.

Episode 9

I know it was you!

What makes you think I did it? (Harry, ++)

Well, I have a problem with you, too. (Harry, -)

You got any proof that I did t? (Harry, +)

But you didn’t steal from Scarlett, did you?

I don’t even want her stuff. (+)

No way! (++)

What if I did? (-)

Are you… Okay?

Well, what can you do? (-)

What do you think? (+)

I’m not okay! I’m pissed! (++)

Episode 10

This is great.

Thank you for taking my side. (-)

Yeah, can’t get any better. (++)

Sorry… (+)

Episode 11

And as always, he looks at me silently.

You really don’t talk much. (-)

Although you rarely talk…(+)

You’re always so quiet, but…(++)

You are coming, right?

Yes, even if I’ll have to go alone. (-)

Yeah, I really wanna go. (++)

Of course I am. (+)

Episode 12

Wanna take a look for yourself?

Aww, so cute!

It’s not for looking. It’s for playing! (150 rubies)

CRITICAL*

I take a deep breath and lift my arms. I aim the lumb,

It’s hideously twisted leg. (-)

It’s half-skinned off head. (++)

It’s yucky, rotting arm. (-)

I take one step…

⚫ (++)

@ (i don’t know what that symbol is…) (-)

🔹 (-)

I take the second step.

🔹 (-)

◀ (-)

⚫ (++)

I can do this!

🖤 (-)

@ (again, i don’t know what that symbol is lol) (-)

⚫ (++)

*only if you do the right chooses you will see the scene and complete the critical event.

Episode 13

A hairpin?

This is Jay’s. (-)

This is Judy’s. (++)

This is Sue’s. (+)

So, [Name]. What you’re saying is…

She didn’t leave voluntarily. (-)

I don’t wanna be blamed anymore. (++)

There’s someone behind all this. (+)

You really have nothing to do with the whole Judy thing?

Trust me. (+)

Yes. (++)

Why would I do such a thing? (-)

Episode 14

Maybe we can all go down there and do a quick search ourselves.

That’s not like you, Harry. (++)

But it’s too dangerous. (+)

Got any plans? (-)

You got a minute?

Umm…I think we should really get back.

Sure, what’s up? (100 rubies)

(What did she ask me again?)

You asked where I’d been? (Ethan, ++)

You asked how old I was? (Ethan, -)

You asked how I managed to survive? (Ethan, +)

Episode 15

Oh no, I’m falling. I gotta…

Roll to the left! (Harry, 100 rubies)

Roll to the right! (Zion, 100 rubies)

Just fall down.

Watch out!

Go help him! (Harry, 100 rubies)

I don’t know what to do!

Episode 16

[Name], you also think so?

Yes. A hundred percent. (++)

Sorry, but I agree with them. (+)

I know it’s awful but I’m too scared. (-)

Why are you still here?

I don’t wanna be alone. (+)

I just like being here. (-)

To see you. (++)

Episode 17

But the banging continues outside.

(I nod.) (100 rubies)

(I look away.)

Why would you do something so stupid like that?

I, I was just… (-)

Cuz I needed to stop her. (++)

It’s better than do nothing. (+)

(Yawns)

Want me to help stay awake? (++)

You’re such a sleepyhead. (+)

You wanna stay here? (-)

Episode 18

Hey, Ethan! What the heck are you doing?

I grab his arm. (++)

I block him. (+)

Stop it, Zion! (-)

He’s probably referring to the hairpin incident.

No, you did what you had to do. (++)

Sorry…it’s my fault. (-)

What’s done is done, Harry. (+)

What? Are you gonna stop me this time?

No, I agree with you. (+)

Yeah. So, calm yourself down. (++)

I don’t know. (-)

So, you’re not leaving?

As long as I feel safe here. (+)

No. (++)

Maybe. (-)

Episode 19

It’s just… I can’t trust no one—Whatever it’s a zombie or a human.

I totally understand. (-)

We must be more careful. (++)

We should still have trust. (+)

I…

Hey, it’s okay. I’m fine. (++)

You’re sorry? (+)

(Wait for him to finish) (-)

I head you saw something.

No, I was mistaken. (-)

I saw a person. (++)

It’s probably nothing. (+)

Unfortunately… Yes.

Okay. (++)

But how could you? (-)

…… (+)

But that’s when I started having the migraine.

How about now? (+)

If you wanna cry, you can. (++)

Take care of yourself. (-)

You wanna leave this place with me?

What do you mean? (+)

I feel safe here. (++)

Leave with you? (-)

Hmm…I wanna do something for him.

I got nothing to give him. (-)

You want a candy bar? (100 rubies)

Patrol

Patrol is similar to Nightwatch, but they do it by day. You can decide with who you want to do the Patrol by the cost of one ticket, and you get his image. Like the Nightwatch, there are no multiple choices, you just read.

Episode 20

I didn’t say anything wrong.

You’re being rude. (+)

You can watch your tone. (++)

Yes, you did. (-)

Umm… That’s not part of our original plan…

It won’t be long. You know I can run fast. (-)

We might find useful drugs. (++)

Yeah, please? (+)

[Name], I’ll take care of it here. You run.

Just me? How can I do that? (+)

I’ll leave with you! (++)

It’s too late! (-)

Episode 21

But he was trying to kill you.

That doesn’t matter. (Harry, -)

You went too far. (Harry, +)

…… (Harry, ++)

What the heck happened here?

Sorry… (++)

It was a zombie. (+)

Nothing happened. (-)

Episode 22

I wanna leave.

No, I shouldn’t. (100 rubies)

I’m leaving. (-)

Episode 23

You’re gonna tell me about what happened, though. Right?

I’ll try. (+)

I’ll tell you later. (++)

Maybe… (-)

You really think there’s such a thing?

I think it’s worth trying. (++)

Yes, I do. (+)

I’m sure it’ll be better than here. (-)

Episode 24

You wanna hear the whole story or get right straight to the point?

The whole story. (100 rubies)

Just get to the point. (-)

I felt like I shouldn’t talk to him about this then.

You did the right thing. (++)

But why are you telling me this? (+)

Oh, I’m impressed you didn’t tell him. (-)

I…

(show him the button) (Zion, ++)

What did you do today? (Zion, -)

Let me see your clothes. (Zion, +)

CRITICAL*

Ask me to help you. Then I will.

Let me go… (-)

No. (++)

Mom… (-)

!

 I miss it. (-)

I can’t reach it. (-)

I grab it. (++)

There’s no time. I swing it at him as hard as I can.

I miss it. (-)

I swing the bat. (++)

It slips. (-)

*only if you do the right chooses you will see the scene and complete the critical event.

Episode 25

What should I do?

I’ll follow Lawrence. (100 rubies)

Nah, never mind. (-)

Maybe I’ll try talking to…

Zion. (150 rubies)

Eugene. (150 rubies)

Never mind.

And I’m just passing…

Ethan’s classroom. (150 rubies)

Harry’s classroom. (150 rubies)

The auditorium.

Now you can watch your ending!!(灬♥ω♥灬)

#dangerous fellows #dangerousfellows #dangerous fellows walkthrough #dangerousfellowswalkthrough #otome games #otome #dangerous fellows otome game #dangerousfellows otome game #lucydream #lucy dream games

[wonderingarmy]

Prince Kim Taehyung Part 3

Links - Part 1  -   Part 2

Everyone was congratulating Jimin’s girlfriend when Taehyung’s phone rang.

“Hello”, Taehyung said.” What? Okay. I’ll be right there.” he hung up his phone, stared at all everyone around him. “I have to go. She’s in critical condition.”, he said, his hands shaking, tears about to fall down his cheeks.

“I’ll drive you.”Jin said. Jin and Taehyung left the rest of the members.

Five months ago.

You and Taehyung have started dating after he confessed his love for you. Everything was doing great and everything just seemed perfect. Taehyung was one of the sweetest guy you knew. He would take you to Europe to visit all the famous museums when they are on break. He would always plan surprises for you every time they come back in the country from tours. He’d always choose to stay in your apartment instead of their dorm every time he’s back.

“Your friends might get mad at me because you always stay with me.” you told him one time he showed up in your apartment with his favorite pillow.

“Babe, I am constantly with them 24 hours a day when we are on tour. And I am not the only one that doesn’t stay in the dorm. Plus, trust me, they understand.”, he replied. “Anyways, how’s work” he asked, after setting his stuff inside your room. He held you in his arms and kissed the top of your head.

Despite you health condition, you still continue to work at the pet salon, but Miss Lee insisted on giving you a lighter job because she is worried about you and still wants to help financially. Taehyung always leave Yeontan to you every time they go on tour and you always take him to the salon, which is allowed by Miss Lee.

He tries hard not to mention about your health condition but fails every time he gets drunk with the guys.

“Y/N, I just wish you would get a heart transplant.” he said, one time he got home after hanging out with his friends. You can smell the alcohol from his mouth.

“Babe, we are not doing this again just because you are drunk.” you replied trying to walk away from him. One thing you hate the most is his alcohol breath.

“I don’t wanna lose you Y/N. I am so scared.” he said hugging you from behind.

You tried to wipe the tears that started to fall down your cheeks. You love Taehyung so much that you hate it when he brings this up. You already made your decision about not getting a heart transplant and it breaks your heart that even if you can change your fate, you still chose to not do it.

“Sorry”, he whispered. He let go of you and went straight to your room.

“Tae, I am sorry. I just don’t think it will make a difference. It’ll just add years in my life but I am still not going to live forever. I already told you a million times.” you said, still your back on him. You hate yourself for being selfish and for hurting him.

He didn’t say anything, but just went straight to the room. You followed him after you calmed yourself down. When you got to your room, he was knocked out on your bed with his shoes on. You shook your head, took his shoes off and put blanket on him.

The next day, when you woke up, he was gone. You went straight to the bathroom to take a shower and saw the post it note he left on your mirror.

“Hey babe, I am sorry about all the things I have said last night when I was drunk. I love you and I’ll see you later.”

You know that he doesn’t remember what he had said but he knows that he always brings up the topic that you hate every time he is drunk because you told him the first two times he did it.

You texted him and told him that you love him and that you’re sorry for being selfish.

After a few minutes, he replied with,

“Y/N, I miss you already.”

You and Taehyung’s relationship is almost perfect besides the fact you’re probably going to die soon. You would always stare at Tae every time he’s asleep, and tell yourself why can’t you just get a transplant. You know that he’s been hurting a lot because of this, but he also knows about your choices. You don’t want to keep hurting him that you even tried to break up with him after a month of dating, but he won’t let you. You lost because he begged you with tears on his face to not leave him.

He left for a month for their US tour. And he always remind you to drink your medicine and to always not tire yourself out. While he was gone, you didn’t tell him that you had to check with your Doctor as your chest started to tighten more and that you are having a hard time breathing more often. You were admitted to the hospital for two days, and when everything seems back to normal, the Doctor discharged you.

“Y/N, you sound really tired.”, Taehyung asked when you were talking over the phone one morning.

“Ah babe, don’t worry about me too much. I am okay. It’s just one of those normal days for me.”, you assured him.

“Well, just let me know if you’re not that feeling good okay? I’ll come home for you.”

“Tae, you have your priorities and I don’t want you to disappoint the fans and get mad at me.”

“Y/N, you’re my priority right now. I’d give up everything for you.”

“Please don’t. Because I am fan too. And I’ll be mad if you stop singing.”

“I love you”

“And I love you Tae. Now please stop worrying about me and get back to practicing.” you said.

“Yes ma’am!” he replied and you both hung up the phone.

Three weeks after they got back from the tour, Taehyung had to go to one of the staff’s sister’s, who is also Jimin’s love of his life, graduation.

You were busy  fixing the inventory salon supplies on the computer when your chest starts tightening again. You fell down your chair and you started coughing and spitting a little blood. You breathing started to sound like a wheeze. You grab your chest and tried to call for help. You don’t remember what happened ater.

***

Taehyung and Jin arrived at the hospital after 35 minutes after Tae received the phone from Miss Lee. They met her in the hallway and Miss Lee looked so tired and worried.

When she saw Taehyung and Jin, she approached the two of them. She gave Taehyung a comforting hug and told her that she is in critical condition. That they can’t really tell her anything because she is not your family. She already called her parents, and they’ll be in later that evening.

Taehyung was so worried and Jin kept comforting him and telling him that they just need to stay positive.  After five hours of worrying, they finally moved you out of the ICU and took you to a room. After Your parents came in around 9pm and Jin left Taehyung to update the guys and bring some clothes and whatever Taehyung needs as he chose to stay in the hospital.

The doctor explained to your parents that your heart is getting weaker and weaker.

“I’d say a few months until her heart gives up. I know she don’t want a heart transplant, but it’s the only thing that could keep her alive for more than just a few months. I am sorry.” The Doctor explained.

You woke up around 3am with all these wires connected to your chest and all the other different parts of your body. Your mom is sitting on the chair beside the bed, her head on it, sleeping. Your dad is also fast asleep on the chair not too far from your bed.

Taehyung is standing, leaning on the wall, just staring at you. He smiled when he saw you opened your eyes and your tears started to fall down your cheeks and you started sobbing. Your mom and dad woke up and saw you crying. Your mom went to hug you carefully and your dad held your hand tight.

The following day, the doctor explained to you what he told your parents. And when he left, you were left with Taehyung, who is sleeping quietly on the chair beside you. Glad that he didn’t wake up from you and the doctor’s conversation. Your parents left to get a hotel to get some rest. Your parents are old, so despite you being in a critical condition, you still worry about your parents health so you sent them to get some rest.

You stared at Taehyung’s beautiful face and you started crying again. You saw how your parents were so worried about you, and now looking at Taehyung, you just remember all the things that you spent together. All that happiness he brought you and all you had given him was worry.

He woke up and looked for your hand, which he found in an instant. He stared at you and smiled.

“You’re beautiful Y/N”, he said. You always love his sleepy voice.

“I am sorry Tae.” You replied, trying wipe the tears that kept forming in your eyes.

He smiled and shook his head. You can’t keep hurting him and your parents. It doesn’t matter if not having a transplant is your decision, your family and Taehyung’s beautiful existence are enough for you to change your decision and make your loved ones happy.

Later that night, you talked to your Doctor in front of your parents and Taehyung. You told them that you changed your decision and that you wanted to get a heart transplant. The shocked and joy that came across your parents were indescribable. Your mom started crying and your dad had to hug her, tears also starting to fall down his cheeks. They keep thanking you for changing your mind.  Taehyung on the other hand moved closer to you and kissed your forehead

“Y/N, I am proud of you.” he said, tears forming in his eyes.

The Doctor then explained that he will put you in 1B status and is hoping to get a compatible heart donor as soon as possible. Although  you didn’t want to accept Taehyung and the members’ financial help, Miss Lee started a fundraising for you. BTS Armies found out about this and helped as much as possible.

After 2 months of tour, Taehyung decided to take a break to be with you. He took care of you everyday and made you laugh. With the help of the night nurse and the receptionist, who is a big fan of BTS, Taehyung would sneaked you out in the middle of the night to take you to the beach and to places that is most beautiful at night.

“Are you sure about this?”, you asked Tae, who is helping you put on the jacket that he bought for you. “We are going to be in big trouble, especially the staff that helps us.”

“Y/N, I am always sure when I make decisions for you.” he said, winking. He grabbed your hand and slowly and quietly made your way out.

After another  month, you got a call from your doctor that you had a donor. They scheduled the surgery as soon as possible and when the day came.

“Y/N,”, Taehyung started, “I just want to let you know that I am happy you made this choice and that I am so proud of you. And I will be waiting for you here with your parents”

“I am happy Tae that I made you and my parents happy. I love you guys and I will be back with a healthy and new heart.” you replied holding your parents and Tae’s hand.

“I hope I still have a room in that new heart.” Tae said

You smiled and said goodbye to your parents and Tae. Tae kissed you one more time and gave you a tiny Tata heart plushie. “So, it’s like I am there with you when you feel scared.”

You smiled and the staff took you inside the surgery room. Your mom held your dad and Tae’s hand while sitting on the bench outside the room. After 5 hours, the Doctor came out of the room and smiled at your parents and Tae. Your parents hug each other and Taehyung is calling the other members to tell them the good news.

#prince kim taehyung #bts #bangtan #bangtan boys #bangtan scenarios #bangtan imagines #bts imagine #bts imagines #bts v #bts taehyung #bts kim taehyung #v x reader #v x you #v x y/n #kim taehyung x reader #kim taehyung x y/n #kim taehyung x you #bts x reader #bts x you #bts x y/n #bts fanfiction #bts fanfic #kpop fanfiction #kpop imagines

[ecovoyage]

Newspaper in a plant-based café in Russia

*(photo creds to my sister, who is also a world traveler)*

The second page is about the top 10 non-ethical products & the third page describes how to have a “green” pregnancy.

An earlier post on the blog linked to an article explained how raising children is terrible for the environment, but the post failed to elaborate on the 9 month phase before the baby is born.

Although I can’t read any Russian, I’ve done my own research to learn about this topic. I’ll expand on the pregnancy itself, and for all the optimistic people out there (can’t relate) I’ll explain how to make the world a cleaner and better place to raise a child (disclaimer: I do not think having children is the most responsible or ethical thing to do at this point in our environmental history).

Green Pregnancy: an oxymoron?

Part 1: Diet

The American Dietetic Association, as well as the American Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics — the world’s largest organization of nutritional professionals — has deemed plant-based diets as “appropriate, nutritionally adequate, and beneficial for all stages of life, including pregnancy, lactation [lactose from the human mother, not stolen from other animals], infancy, childhood, adolescence, older adulthood, and athletes...and can prevent and treat various diseases”. The groups even announced in 2016 how the plant-based diet is “more environmentally sustainable than a diet rich in animal products”, which is a huge deal coming from an organization specializing not in environmental issues but in nutrition. A vegan lifestyle with its plant-based diet is ultimately the best diet to consume while pregnant.

During pregnancy, along with B12 (which ALL people should supplement with as our modern dirt is no longer rich in this nutrient), it may be beneficial to supplement with folate. If you wish not to supplement, make sure to include lots of leafy dark greens in your diet. Try a green monster smoothie!

You may also wish to take a vegan-friendly prenatal. Thankfully, there are many brands that advertise with the vegan label, signifying no animal testing & no animal ingredients.

The World Health Association points out that 90% of dioxin exposure comes from the meat, dairy, and egg supply. Thankfully, a plant-based diet will help ensure this toxin (which is associated with hormonal damage, development damage, and reproductive damage) is nowhere near you or your growing baby.

Part 2: Harmful Ingredients/Chemicals

Some ingredients and chemicals should be avoided at all costs, whether or not they are truly “toxins”. Many chemicals humans are exposed to everyday can cross with the placenta and harm the developing baby.

LEAD: impair child’s brain development

ARSENIC: linked to poor brain development (can be found in some tap water, and some foods such as rice and products containing rice like flours or syrups)

PESTICIDES, INSECTICIDE, INSECT REPELLANTS: tied to neurological problems and birth defects to babies exposed in utero (avoid sprays, try to eat organic or take to a local farmer to learn whether they use pesticides) REMEMBER PEOPLE, INSECTS ARE CRITICAL TO OUR ECOSYSTEM & WE NEED THEM TO THRIVE AS HUMANS SO PLEASE STOP KILLING THEM THANKS

PHTHALATES: endocrine disruptors; can cause miscarriages and sterility in developing fetuses (found in personal care items, cosmetics, toys and nail polish, and more)

TRICLOSAN: linked to low birth weight and poor APGAR scores (a newborn health scale) — an ingredient in antibacterial soaps

many ingredients in skin care products can cause an increased risk of intracranial bleeding in the baby and birth defects: Salicylic acid, retinol, tetracyclines (this last one can cause tooth decoloring of the baby)

PAINTS: may contain lead; oil-based paints may negatively impact air quality

ORGANIC SOLVENTS: may be present in cleaning products, cosmetics, aerosol sprays, disinfectants, paint strippers and thinners, varnish and many other household products

MERCURY: toxic material does not break down in the environment (found in water & fish)

ASBESTOS: can be found in the home in old vinyl floor and ceiling tiles, old shingles and insulation, siding, stove, furnace and pipe insulation

This is by no means a complete list. Do your own research if you are concerned about a particular ingredient found in your food or home/clothing/etc. products!

Part 3: Clothing

Throughout the pregnancy, it is advisable to source ethical maternity wear. I know how is sounds: $$$$! While some brands may be expensive, there are several ways to acquire this clothing without breaking the bank or ruining the Earth.

1. the most ethical option is using clothes you already own! oversized clothing, stretchy pants, open-fronted sweaters and cardigans, and empire line dresses...those are just a few! sharing is caring- seek out female friends and family to see if they have any maternity clothing they are willing to give up.

2. Shop second-hand. If you have the luxury of living near great thrift stores (Paris, LA, Portland, and SF are all fantastic for this!) definitely go and try stuff on. If not, you can find great clothes on Depop, Ebay, Poshmark, and other second-hand online stores/apps. Frequent sales and promos will help you stay sane and know you aren’t going broke (a future post will contain a rant about people having children intentionally even if they know they can’t afford to care for the child)

3. If you have the cash, seek out brands that use recycled materials to create their clothing line. Frugi is an environmentally sustainable maternity-wear clothing store that steers clear of sweatshops, child labor, and poisonous pesticides, instead using recycled bamboo and other earth-friendly materials to craft its clothing.

Part 4: Plastic

Probably my most hated man-made material needs its own section.

Your tubber ware containers, plastic water bottles, shopping bags, etc. may seem conveniant, but they are terrible for the environment AND the baby.

Bisphenol A (BPA) is an industrial chemical found in many hard plastics and items such as food packaging. Numerous studies have discovered how BPA can harm reproductive and brain development in fetuses, infants and children. BPA was banned in 2012 by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in baby bottles and children’s cups, but it does nothing to address the health concerns that BPA poses to pregnant woman, which include miscarriage, premature birth and still birth. According to an article in the New Scientist, even BPA-free plastic might not be as safe as you think. In tests conducted at Peking University, Beijing, the BPA substitute BHPF was found to cause fertility problems. Luckily, there are eco-friendly alternatives to plastic for storing your food and drinks. Glass bottles and containers may cost more than plastic and are heavier to transport if you’re out and about, but they’re ideal for the kitchen because they tend to hold up better in the microwave, don’t take on the characteristics of the food they hold and some of them can even go in the oven. For lightweight on-the-go solutions, choose silicone food storage bags and sealable paper bags.

Part 5: Living Green

You use a multitude of products everyday without even realizing it, whether you are cleaning the house, cleaning your body, applying makeup, etc.

An easy way to start living green while pregnant is to switch your shampoo. Many natural health experts recommend avoiding shampoos with the foaming agents sodium laureth, sulphate and ammonium laureth sulphate. These ingredients cause shampoo to lather, but they all test positive for 1,4-Dioxane, a proven cancer-causing petrochemical. The Body Shop is a great high street alternative, offering a variety of shampoos and other beauty products that are free not only from sulphates but also parabens. While parabens contain preservatives that prevent the growth of mould and bacteria, think before you massage them into your scalp. According to a study undertaken by Inserm, the French National Institute of Health and Medical Research, phenols such as parabens may disrupt the growth of baby boys both in the womb and during the first few years of life.

Many products (such as shampoos, lotions, soaps and deodorants) are known to contain potentially harmful petrochemicals known as phthalates, which are linked to permanent birth defects of the male reproductive system.

Nail polish may contain harmful solvents.

It’s important to remember that just because something is labelled ‘natural’, it doesn’t necessarily meant that it only contains ingredients made by mother nature. A bottle marked ‘organic’ must contain 95% organic ingredients, but those marked ‘natural’ or ‘made with organic ingredients’ may still contain the bad stuff. This is down to the frustrating fact that the beauty industry is yet to be properly regulated. No matter how appealing that body lotion smells, always ready the label carefully before massaging it into your bump. Also, avoid products that claim to be “cruelty-free” but are not remotely vegan-friendly.

Put off remodeling or building if you can, but if you do remodel, choose the least-toxic materials you can find, such as low- or no-VOC (volatile organic compound) paint.

Avoid renovations that require scraping, sanding or refinishing older walls or furniture. “One of the main sources of lead exposure in the U.S. today is lead paint in older houses (pre-1978),” says Ulrike Luderer, M.D., Ph.D., associate professor of occupational and environmental medicine at the Center for Occupational and Environmental Health at University of California Irvine. “This is important because of the hand-to-mouth behavior of very young children.”

Lead levels accumulate in the body over time, and breathing in microscopic lead dust particles from windows and doors once coated with lead-based paint can cause irreversible neurological damage. Touching or mouthing objects coated with this dust is another common source of lead ingestion.

Part 6: Sleep care

Whether you are trying to sleep as a pregnant women or you are caring for your new environmentally-unsustainable offspring, you and this creature want comfort. Don’t keep yourself up at all worrying about toxins in your linens.

To avoid harmful substances in the linens, try to go organic. According to Deirdre Dolan and Alexandra Zissu, co-authors of The Complete Organic Pregnancy, “sheets shouldn’t be permanent-press or made with nylon or synthetic materials.” The manufacture of conventional cotton sheets requires large amounts of formaldehyde, bleaches, dyes, synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. Be low-impact!

Buy laundry linens with nontoxic laundry products. “Many families use separate laundry soap for their newborn’s clothing, but you can use baby-safe laundry soap for the rest of your family’s laundry as well,” says Kimberly Rider, author of Organic Baby. If you buy only one thing for the nursery, make it an organic mattress pad or cover.

Replace worn-out linens with organic-cotton varieties, which are now widely available and more affordable than ever. Cotton grown in the U.S. uses 25 percent of the insecticides in the world, so going organic will lighten the toxic load on your pillow and the planet.

Part 7: Cultivating the Garden

Growing a garden is one of the best pleasures in life. Whether it is outside or on the windowsill, breathing in chemical pesticides and chemicals is harmful to your and the baby. Natural fertilizers and nontoxic solutions are fortunely easy to find and use, and have become cheaper and cheaper over the years as demand rises.

The brand TerraCycle creates plant food and fertilizer using worm excrement packaged in recycled soda bottles.

Part 8: Go Green on Google?

Many people, myself included, love upgrading to the newest technology. Before purchasing electronics, however, make sure they have the Energy Star label, meaning they are energy-efficient.

Need to get rid of old electronics that are still somewhat functioning? Try a second-hand program, such as Ebay’s Rethink Program which acquires these materials to be repaired and sold. Even completely “useless” electronics that cannot even turn on can be recycled. R esources such as Earth 911) provide community recycling, donation and disposal options. Many college campuses have “e-waste” programs in which students and faculty can give up electronics to be sent to local facilities to use for the hardware or research purposes. Or, help the e-waste movement by passing old electronics on to friends and family. The camera may suck, but your cousin George just wants to check who wins the football game.

Part 9: Consider not having children

Save your money, time, and the planet! It’s a win-win-win!

CONCLUSION, TIPS, & MORE!

Bringing a baby into the world adds a considerable amount to one’s carbon footprint. If you are dead-set on raising a child into the world, despite the many environmental and ethical reasons not to (post coming soon elaborating on further issues), this is an opportunity to raise and educate your child to understand the environmental issues existing on our planet and what he or she or they can do to prevent or help the cause. Infants, toddlers, and children learn from their elders and are quick to pick up on habits and behaviors. Remember: once you bring a baby into this world, you are a parent but also a role model.

Meanwhile, how can you make the world a better place while you are pregnant? If you want your child to live a long and healthy life in a healthy environment on a healthy planet, then you must certainly realize your daily actions impact this environment. Don’t contribute to the environmental problems if you care about you child. Go green!

Some fun facts/tips

When selecting a midwife or ob/gyn, ask about environmental toxin and chemical exposures. Consider their response in your decision!

avoid foods in cans (legumes, beans, vegetables, soups, etc.) & opt for bagged beans/dry beans, fresh or frozen produce, etc.

[autolovecraft]

Being without superstition, he did not care to imagine.

At last the spring thaw came, and graves were laboriously prepared for the nine silent harvests of the grim reaper which waited in the tomb. Another might not have relished the damp, odorous chamber with the eight carelessly placed coffins; but Birch in those days was insensitive, and was concerned only in getting the right coffin for the platform; for no sooner was his full bulk again upon it than the rotting lid gave way, jouncing him two feet down on a surface which even he did not get Asaph Sawyer's coffin by mistake, although it was very similar. He confided in me because I was his doctor, and because he probably felt the need of confiding in someone else after Davis died.

His head was broken in, and everything was tumbled about. Birch, but you always did go too damned far! He had, it seems, planned in vain when choosing the stoutest coffin for the platform; for no sooner was his full bulk again upon it than the rotting lid gave way, jouncing him two feet down on a surface which even he did not get Asaph Sawyer's coffin by mistake, although it was very similar. What else, he added, could ever in any case be proved or believed? It must have been midnight at least when Birch decided he could get through the transom. Perhaps he screamed. Instinct guided him in his wriggle through the transom, and in the crawl which followed his jarring thud on the damp ground. His head was broken in, and everything was tumbled about. He confided in me because I was his doctor, and because he probably felt the need of confiding in someone else after Davis died. It was just as he had recognized old Matt's coffin that the door slammed to in the wind, leaving him in a dusk even deeper than before. In time the hole grew so large that he ventured to try his body in it now and then, shifting about so that the coffins beneath him rocked and creaked.

He always remained lame, for the great tendons had been severed; but I think the greatest lameness was in his soul. Being without superstition, he did not heed the day at all; though ever afterward he refused to do anything of importance on that fateful sixth day of the week. You kicked hard, for Asaph's coffin was on the floor. For an impersonal doctor, Davis' ominous and awestruck cross-examination became very strange indeed as he sought to pull himself up, when he noticed a queer retardation in the form of an apparent drag on both his ankles. The afflicted man was fully conscious, but would say nothing of any consequence; merely muttering such things as Oh, my ankles! You know what a fiend he was for revenge—how he ruined old Raymond thirty years after their boundary suit, and how he stepped on the puppy that snapped at him a year ago last August … He was the devil incarnate, Birch, just as I thought! The thing must have happened at about three-thirty in the afternoon. Neither did his old physician Dr. Davis, who died years ago. He had, indeed, made that coffin for Matthew Fenner; but had cast it aside at last as too awkward and flimsy, in a fit of curious sentimentality aroused by recalling how kindly and generous the little old man had been to him during his bankruptcy five years before.

Clutching the edges of the aperture. What else, he added, could ever in any case be proved or believed?

The borders of the space were entirely of brick, and there seemed little doubt but that he could shortly chisel away enough to allow his body to pass. Never did he knock together flimsier and ungainlier caskets, or disregard more flagrantly the needs of the rusty lock on the tomb door which he slammed open and shut with such nonchalant abandon. Most distinctly Birch was lax, insensitive, and was concerned only in getting the right coffin for the right grave. What else, he added, could ever in any case be proved or believed?

The practices I heard attributed to him would be unbelievable today, at least to such meager tools and under such tenebrous conditions as these, Birch glanced about for other possible points of escape. When Dr. Davis left, urging Birch to insist at all times that his wounds were caused entirely by loose nails and splintering wood. Several of the coffins began to split under the stress of handling, and he did not heed the day at all; so that he was reduced to a profane fumbling as he made his halting way among the long boxes toward the latch.

Then the doctor came with his medicine-case and asked crisp questions, and removed the patient's outer clothing, shoes, and socks. He had not forgotten the criticism aroused when Hannah Bixby's relatives, wishing to transport her body to the cemetery in the city whither they had moved, found the casket of Judge Capwell beneath her headstone. The skull turned my stomach, but the bald fact of imprisonment so far from the daily paths of men was enough to exasperate him thoroughly. The narrow transom admitted only the feeblest of rays, and the overhead ventilation funnel virtually none at all; though ever afterward he refused to do anything of importance on that fateful sixth day of the week. It must have been midnight at least when Birch decided he could get through the transom.

He was the devil incarnate, Birch, just as I thought! Then he fled back to the lodge and broke all the rules of his calling by rousing and shaking his patient, and hurling at him a year ago last August … He was the devil incarnate, Birch, but you always did go too damned far! He confided in me because I was his doctor, and because he probably felt the need of confiding in someone else after Davis died. For an impersonal doctor, Davis' ominous and awestruck cross-examination became very strange indeed as he sought to drain from the weakened undertaker every least detail of his horrible experience. The narrow transom admitted only the feeblest of rays, and the latch of the great door yielded readily to a touch from the outside.

Certainly, the events of that evening greatly changed George Birch.

I'll never get the picture out of my head as long as I live.

Tired and perspiring despite many rests, he descended to the floor and sat a while on the bottom step of his grim device, Birch cautiously ascended with his tools and stood abreast of the narrow transom.

His head was broken in, and everything was tumbled about. The undertaker grew doubly lethargic in the bitter weather, and seemed to outdo even himself in carelessness.

There was nothing like a ladder in the tomb. Birch was lax, insensitive, and professionally undesirable; yet I still think he was not an evil man. In this funereal twilight he rattled the rusty handles, pushed at the iron panels, and wondered why the massive portal had grown so suddenly recalcitrant. His day's work was sadly interrupted, and unless chance presently brought some rambler hither, he might have to remain all night or longer. He was merely crass of fiber and function—thoughtless, careless, and liquorish, as his easily avoidable accident proves, and without that modicum of imagination which holds the average citizen within certain limits fixed by taste. Fortunately the village was small and the death rate low, so that it was possible to give all of Birch's inanimate charges a temporary haven in the single antiquated receiving tomb. In this funereal twilight he rattled the rusty handles, pushed at the iron panels, and wondered why the massive portal had grown so suddenly recalcitrant. The afflicted man was fully conscious, but would say nothing of any consequence; merely muttering such things as Oh, my ankles!

In either case it would have been appropriate; for the unexpected tenacity of the easy-looking brickwork was surely a sardonic commentary on the vanity of mortal hopes, and the source of a task whose performance deserved every possible stimulus. Finally he decided to lay a base of three parallel with the wall, to place upon this two layers of two each, and upon these a single box to serve as the platform. And so the prisoner toiled in the twilight, heaving the unresponsive remnants of mortality with little ceremony as his miniature Tower of Babel rose course by course. Birch to insist at all times that his wounds were caused entirely by loose nails and splintering wood. Whether he had imagination enough to wish they were empty, is strongly to be doubted. The day was clear, but a high wind had sprung up; and Birch was glad to get to shelter as he unlocked the iron door and entered the side-hill vault.

After a full two hours Dr. Davis left Birch that night he had taken a lantern and gone to the old receiving tomb. The narrow transom admitted only the feeblest of rays, and the emerging moon must have witnessed a horrible sight as he dragged his bleeding ankles toward the cemetery lodge; his fingers clawing the black mold in brainless haste, and his hands shook as he dressed the mangled members; binding them as if he wished to get the wounds out of sight as quickly as possible. Only the coffins themselves remained as potential stepping-stones, and as he considered these he speculated on the best mode of transporting them. The thing must have happened at about three-thirty in the afternoon.

[cuckhowell]

Sick Days

Summary: Phil gets a small cold and Dan forces him to stay in bed all day and takes care of him, despite Phil telling him not to.

 Genre: fluff

 Word count: 730

 Warnings: none!

 A/N: Hi pals, this is my first attempt at writing anything, although I’ve wanted to do this for quite a while, so any comments, feedback or constructive criticism through my asks or messages would be greatly appreciated as I’d love to continue writing! Enjoy :)

——————– 

 Phil woke up with a sleeping Dan curled up to his chest and smiled to himself, before he was rudely interrupted by a rather unexpected coughing fit, which also happened to wake said sleeping Dan up.

 “Have you gotten sick Phil?”, Dan asked rather groggily due to being very recently woken up by Phil’s bouncing body and loud coughs.

 “I think so. It’s probably because I went out in the bad weather the other day, and being around so many people and germs in town probably didn’t help much either.” Phil replied after catching his breath from the fifteen straight seconds of coughing.

 ���Oh. Well on that note I’ll go get you some Dayquil, you stay right here.” Dan said removing himself from the covers and beginning to walk to the hallway.

 “You don’t have to worry about it Dan, I can get myself some medicine in a minute”

 “Absolutely not! I don’t want you to move a single muscle today, last time I was sick you took care of me, and it’s my time to shine and return the favor” and with that Dan walked out of the room.

 There was no point in protesting, as Dan had already made half the trek down the hallway, so Phil decided to get comfortable while he waited for Dan to get back with his cold medicine.

 A few minutes later, Dan returned with Phil’s medicine, some tea, a bag of cough drops, and Vicks brand chest cream.

 Phil smiled at the amount of stuff Dan was carrying to treat Phil’s small cold, but sat up nonetheless and took the mug of tea and medicine from Dan as he placed the rest of the items on Phil’s nightstand and sat down on the edge of the bed.

 Phil downed the pills with the tea Dan made for him and hummed in content, looking over at Dan to thank him.

 Phil barely got his mouth open before Dan interrupted him.

 “Don’t thank me Phil, it’s what I’m here for. Now get the blanket off so I can rub this cream on your chest so you won’t feel so congested” Dan said softly.

 Phil did as he was told, although he was already somewhat sat up, he sat up the rest of the way, removing the blanket to reveal his bare chest to Dan who was opening the small jar of Vicks VapoRub they kept for days like this. 

Dan spread the clear cream onto Phil’s chest, laughing to himself as Phil jumped at the sudden cold substance on his rather warm body.

 “Don’t laugh! It’s cold! And it smells weird.” Phil frowned slightly, not actually offended that Dan had laughed at him.

 Dan ignored him and reached for the bag of cough drops and handing it to Phil as an attempt to distract him from the fact that he was just previously laughing at his boyfriend for squirming around due to some Vicks cream, and it worked, Phil unwrapped a cough drop and put it in his mouth in hopes to not have to deal with another coughing fit that so rudely woke the pair up.

 Dan set the jar and the bag of cough drops back onto the nightstand and walked back around to his side of Phil’s bed, turning the TV on as he made his way under the covers. Phil also decided to lay back down and put the covers back over his body as he watched Dan flip through the endless options of TV shows they had to choose from. He finally decided on a show to watch and he began to lay down on Phil’s bare chest as he normally would on a stay-in day like this but Phil protested.

 “No! you’ll get sick as well.” Phil frowned.

 “I honestly don’t mind, Phil. I just wanna be next to you.” Dan sighed as he continued to cuddle up into Phil’s chest, smelling the strong scent of the cream he had put on his chest no more than 5 minutes ago and sighing in content to himself and letting himself get comfortable.

 Phil looked down a few minutes later to see Dan fast asleep on his chest, smiling to himself as he kissed the top of Dan’s head and let himself doze off as well into a peaceful sleep.

#phan #phanfic #phanfiction #fluff #danisnotonfire #dan howell #amazingphil #phil lester #dan and phil #sky writes fics

[yeschaoticsheepstarlightposts]

6 Tips to Save Money on Healthcare Costs (Without Sacrificing Your Health)

Healthcare is one of the most expensive line-items in many of our budgets. In fact, the average American spends around $10,000 per year on healthcare, and this figure is expected to continue to rise.

Health is an incredibly important aspect of life. It’s so vital that there’s really no point to pursuing financial independence if we neglect our health along the way – so it’s not an area to skimp on.

That said, there are several ways to decrease costs while maintaining quality. Below, I’ll discuss 6 tips to save money on healthcare costs that don’t require you to sacrifice your health.

Find a Primary Care Provider

The first tip to save money on healthcare costs is to establish a primary care provider (PCP).

With an increase in options to get care – such as walk-in clinics, urgent care clinics, etc. – some people are forgoing a primary care provider in favor of getting care for specific symptoms or concerns.

However, developing a partnership with a provider who knows you has many benefits. Research has shown that primary care leads to decreased outpatient visits, emergency room visits, inpatient hospital admissions, and surgeries.

Finding a good family practice provider can improve your health and decrease your cost of care. Developing a relationship with someone who knows (and cares for and about) you can have a long-reaching positive impact.

Although it hopefully will not be relevant to most of us for a very long time, having a relationship with a trusted provider is also incredibly important when facing the hard decisions about serious medical concerns and end of life issues – both of which have the potential to have serious financial (and other) impacts.

Procedures

Is it Necessary?

Americans undergo more imaging procedures, such as MRIs or CT scans, than do people from other countries. While there is definitely a role for imaging in many scenarios, the fact remains that many imaging studies are unnecessary, unhelpful, costly, and potentially dangerous.

For example, experts note that earlier use of imaging for low back pain without associated concerning neurological symptoms is not associated with improved outcomes, but does increase the use of invasive procedures (which may not be beneficial).

A great resource to guide conversations with your provider about whether tests or procedures are required is the Choosing Wisely initiative from the American Board of Internal Medicine Foundation. This initiative seeks to advance a national dialogue on avoiding unnecessary medical tests, treatments and procedures. In the example of low back pain, the Choosing Wisely recommendations provide a great overview of why you probably don’t need an X-ray, CT scan, or MRI.

Of course, these are general guidelines and any decisions about tests need to be made with your provider, but recognizing that many tests are not helpful, may cause additional harm, and cost money, should encourage you to question whether they are necessary.

In my personal experience, I have multiple sclerosis (read my story here), and my neurologist initially recommended a yearly MRI. After several years of unchanged MRIs, I was able to get him to agree to increasing the time between MRIs to every 2 years.

This goes back to developing a relationship with someone who knows and understands you and your specific values and needs. Because my neurologist knows me well and understands that I prefer to avoid excessive imaging and intervention, and because he also knows that I have access to care immediately if I need it (through him), he’s more likely to agree to decrease the testing and be more conservative in our interventions.

Where is it the Cheapest?

Finding out the cost of a healthcare procedure is an incredibly difficult task.

Take it from me – even as a nurse practitioner who orders these tests, it can be nearly impossible to find out what the fee for it is. That is because facilities will have different fees based on the insurer (or lack thereof), and they typically are not advertised.

There are some sites that can help you discover the cost of various procedures (here, for example) and you should, of course, be in touch with your insurance company as well.

If you do not have insurance, or the procedure you’re undergoing is not covered, you should ask if they offer a discount for early payment. I’ve received up to 10% off of medical bills for paying within 30 days.

Medications

Is there a Generic Option?

Another tip to save money on healthcare costs is to look for the generic version of your medication.

Generic drugs are the same medication, strength, dosage form, and route as brand-name drugs, often at a significant cost savings. The Federal Drug Administration inspects facilities that manufacture these drugs in the same way that they do brand-name drugs, to help ensure safety and quality.

You can see a great overview of information about generic medications here.

Is There a $4 Formulary Option?

Many major retail pharmacies, including Target, Walmart, and Walgreens, offer a $4/$10 ($4 for a 30 day supple, $10 for a 90 day supply) formulary.

While not all medications or classes of medications are available on these formularies, it’s possible to find certain medications (or a comparable one) for a much lower cost in this way.

For example, the antidepressant escitalopram would cost around $25 (at a minimum) for a 90-day supply (cash pay, without insurance), but citalopram, a similar drug in the same class, is available on the Walmart formulary at $10 for a 90 day supply.

If medication costs are a concern for you, it’s worth talking to your healthcare provider about whether a similar drug is available at a lower cost.

ER vs. Urgent Care

As a nurse practitioner working in the emergency department, I frequently see patients come in with illnesses or injuries that could be more quickly, cost-effectively, or appropriately treated in a different setting.

There are several reasons that patients come to the emergency room. They may be concerned that their illness is truly critical or life-threatening. They may not have insurance, and recognize that the law (specifically, the Emergency Medical Treatment And Labor Act, or EMTALA) requires emergency departments to stabilize and treat everyone with a medical emergency, regardless of their ability to pay.

However, some patients present to the emergency department simply because they don’t recognize that there are other, and sometimes better, options.

This is where walk-in clinics, convenient care centers, and/or urgent care centers, come in. For the purposes of this article I’m using these terms interchangeably – simply to refer to a clinic or center where same-day care is provided for minor illness or injury.

These centers are typically significantly less expensive than an emergency department visit (often by 50% or more) and are able to provide care for a wide range of conditions. If your primary care provider does not offer same-day services, these can be excellent options to receive high-quality, low-cost care.

The range of services provided by these clinics varies widely. Some, such as CVS’ Minute Clinic, offer care for minor cuts, blisters, and wounds, bug bites/stings, sinus infections, and so on. They also offer services like travel vaccinations, camp physicals, and weight loss consultations. They accept many insurances, and also provide clear and up-front pricing, something that can be more difficult to obtain in the hospital setting.

Other urgent care settings may provide care for more complex conditions. For example, where I work, our urgent care can do stitches for simple lacerations, splinting for uncomplicated fractures, lab work, etc.

There are certain symptoms that always require a visit to the emergency department. These include (but are not limited to) chest pain, shortness of breath, weakness or numbness on one side of the body, slurred speech, or head injuries. These may be signs of a more serious issue that would require care from a specialist, hospitalization, or surgery. Make sure that you know which hospitals and clinics are in your insurance network so that you can receive care there whenever possible.

Final Thoughts

Healthcare is an important topic and not one to be taken lightly.

While I would never recommend that you take the cheaper way out in every instance, there are a lot of ways that you can decrease the cost of your healthcare expenses while still maintaining high quality care!

Look to save money on healthcare costs by establishing a primary care provider who knows you and can help you make the best decisions for your health, not undergoing unnecessary procedures and understanding the costs of those procedures, taking generic medication or utilizing a $4/$10 option, and going to the emergency room only when necessary.

Healthcare is expensive, but with these tips you don’t have to let it cost you any more than it already is.

[autolovecraft]

He was a bachelor, wholly without relatives.

He was curiously unelated over his impending escape, and almost dreaded the exertion, for his form had the indolent stoutness of early middle age. The day was clear, but a high wind had sprung up; and Birch was glad to get to shelter as he unlocked the iron door and entered the side-hill vault. I'll never get the picture out of my head as long as I live.

This arrangement could be ascended with a minimum of awkwardness, and would furnish the desired height. He had not forgotten the criticism aroused when Hannah Bixby's relatives, wishing to transport her body to the cemetery in the city whither they had moved, found the casket of Judge Capwell beneath her headstone. He had, it seems, planned in vain when choosing the stoutest coffin for the platform; for no sooner was his full bulk again upon it than the rotting lid gave way, jouncing him two feet down on a surface which even he did not care to imagine. Another might not have relished the damp, odorous chamber with the eight carelessly placed coffins; but Birch in those days was insensitive, and was concerned only in getting the right coffin for the platform; for no sooner was his full bulk again upon it than the rotting lid gave way, jouncing him two feet down on a surface which even he did not get Asaph Sawyer's coffin by mistake, although it was very similar. I'd hate to have it aimed at me! Never did he knock together flimsier and ungainlier caskets, or disregard more flagrantly the needs of the rusty lock on the tomb door which he slammed open and shut with such nonchalant abandon. Then he fled back to the lodge and broke all the rules of his calling by rousing and shaking his patient, and hurling at him a year ago last August … He was the devil incarnate, Birch, just as I thought!

The skull turned my stomach, but the bald fact of imprisonment so far from the daily paths of men was enough to exasperate him thoroughly. In this funereal twilight he rattled the rusty handles, pushed at the iron panels, and wondered why the massive portal had grown so suddenly recalcitrant. The moon was shining on the scattered brick fragments and marred facade, and the latch of the great door yielded readily to a touch from the outside. In the semi-gloom he trusted mostly to touch to select the right one, and indeed came upon it almost by accident, since it tumbled into his hands as if through some odd volition after he had unwittingly placed it beside another on the third layer. He was a scoundrel, and I believe his eye-for-an-eye fury could beat old Father Death himself.

The thing must have happened at about three-thirty in the afternoon. I'll never get the picture out of my head as long as I live. Another might not have relished the damp, odorous chamber with the eight carelessly placed coffins; but Birch in those days was insensitive, and professionally undesirable; yet I still think he was not perfectly sober, he subsequently admitted; though he had not then taken to the wholesale drinking by which he later tried to forget certain things.

He was a bachelor, wholly without relatives. He could, he was sure, get out by midnight—though it is characteristic of him that this thought was untinged with eerie implications.

But it would be well to say as little as could be said, and to use it when Asaph Sawyer died of a malignant fever.

He could not walk, it appeared, and the coffin niches on the sides and rear—which Birch seldom took the trouble to use—afforded no ascent to the space above the door. The afflicted man was fully conscious, but would say nothing of any consequence; merely muttering such things as Oh, my ankles! In another moment he knew fear for the first time that night; for struggle as he would, he could not but wish that the units of his contemplated staircase had been more securely made. Several of the coffins began to split under the stress of handling, and he planned to save the rejected specimen, and to let no other doctor treat the wounds. Steeled by old ordeals in dissecting rooms, the doctor entered and looked about, stifling the nausea of mind and body that everything in sight and smell induced. The body was pretty badly gone, but if ever I saw vindictiveness on any face—or former face. When Dr. Davis left, urging Birch to insist at all times that his wounds were caused entirely by loose nails and splintering wood. You know what a fiend he was for revenge—how he ruined old Raymond thirty years after their boundary suit, and how he had chosen it, how he had distinguished it from the inferior duplicate coffin of vicious Asaph Sawyer. He confided in me because I was his doctor, and because he probably felt the need of confiding in someone else after Davis died.

Maddened by the sound, or by the stench which billowed forth even to the open air, the waiting horse gave a scream that was too frantic for a neigh, and plunged madly off through the night, the wagon rattling crazily behind it. Only the coffins themselves remained as potential stepping-stones, and as he considered these he speculated on the best mode of transporting them. Would the firm Fenner casket have caved in so readily? When he perceived that the latch was hopelessly unyielding, at least in a city; and even Peck Valley would have shuddered a bit had it known the easy ethics of its mortuary artist in such debatable matters as the ownership of costly laying-out apparel invisible beneath the casket's lid, and the latch of the great door yielded readily to a touch from the outside.

That was Darius Peck, the nonagenarian, whose grave was also near by; but actually postponed the matter for three days, not getting to work till Good Friday, the 15th. In either case it would have been appropriate; for the unexpected tenacity of the easy-looking brickwork was surely a sardonic commentary on the vanity of mortal hopes, and the coffin niches on the sides and rear—which Birch seldom took the trouble to use—afforded no ascent to the space above the door. Birch, and I believe his eye-for-an-eye fury could beat old Father Death himself. Birch that night he had taken a lantern and gone to the old receiving tomb.

Perhaps he screamed.

It may have been encouraging and to others may have been just fear, and it may have been mocking. Several of the coffins began to split under the stress of handling, and he did not care to imagine.

He was oddly anxious to know if Birch were sure—absolutely sure—of the identity of that top coffin of the pile; how he had chosen it, how he had chosen it, how he had distinguished it from the inferior duplicate coffin of vicious Asaph Sawyer.

As he remounted the splitting coffins he felt his weight very poignantly; especially when, upon reaching the topmost one, he heard that aggravated crackle which bespeaks the wholesale rending of wood. I've seen sights before, but there was one thing too much here.

Then the doctor came with his medicine-case and asked crisp questions, and removed the patient's outer clothing, shoes, and socks.

The afflicted man was fully conscious, but would say nothing of any consequence; merely muttering such things as Oh, my ankles! It was Asaph's coffin, Birch, and I believe his eye-for-an-eye fury could beat old Father Death himself.

To him Birch had felt no compunction in assigning the carelessly made coffin which he now pushed out of the enlarged transom; but gathered his energies for a determined try. The undertaker grew doubly lethargic in the bitter weather, and seemed to outdo even himself in carelessness. The light was dim, but Birch's sight was good, and he planned to save the stoutly built casket of little Matthew Fenner for the top, in order that his feet might have as certain a surface as possible. The afflicted man was fully conscious, but would say nothing of any consequence; merely muttering such things as Oh, my ankles! He would have given much for a lantern or bit of candle; but lacking these, bungled semi-sightlessly as best he might. Neither did his old physician Dr. Davis, who died years ago.

His head was broken in, and everything was tumbled about. That he was not an evil man. It must have been midnight at least when Birch decided he could get through the transom. He cried aloud once, and a hammer and chisel selected, Birch returned over the coffins to the door.

Three coffin-heights, he reckoned, would permit him to reach the transom; but he could do better with four. Instinct guided him in his wriggle through the transom, and in the crawl which followed his jarring thud on the damp ground.