"Thank you Christopher. I really appreciate your help…and what you said to your father. It means a lot to me that you support my relationship with Samantha."

"I meant what I said Howie. I can see a definite change in Samantha since you entered her life." Christopher shook his head. "I never thought I would see the day my little sister fell in love. She has become a radiant woman over the past couple of months. I am seeing her in an entirely new light." He sighed. "I am going to go back in and say a few more things to my father."

Howie nodded. "Thanks again Christopher. Good luck!" He turned and walked toward the building as Samantha's brother headed back into what Howie surmised was going to be a very tense situation. As he approached the building, he realized it was a large child's playhouse. He went around to the back of the building where he found the door and quickly opened it. When he emerged inside of the house, he couldn't help but stare. This wasn't your run of the mill playhouse. The center of the room was a wide-open space with a floor that looked as if it had been polished wood at one point. Two of the walls had mirrors on them spanning the entire wall. There were ballet barrés attached to the walls as well. He spotted a small stereo system, working light fixtures and as he glanced around, he determined there was also running water. There were bookcases built into the other 2 walls with enclosed compartments he assumed were waterproof since the books looked to be in pristine condition. One shelf in particular caught his eye. He walked over to examine the contents more closely. There were dozens of blue ribbons, several gold medals and trophies of various sizes with gymnasts perched on top of them. They all had Samantha's name engraved on them. In the corner of the cabinet was the tiniest pair of toe shoes he had ever seen. The toes were well worn and the ribbons were tattered. They had obviously been worn until they were falling apart. 'Samantha really must have been as petite as Cindy & Jill said she was if she wore those shoes! Why are all of these ribbons and medals here though? Why doesn't Samantha have them at her house where she could preserve them better?' He looked around the room and did not see Samantha. 'Maybe Christopher was wrong. Maybe Samantha didn't come here.' He spotted a spiral staircase at the back of the structure. He walked over to it and ascended to the loft. Again he shook his head in disbelief. The room was the same size as the lower level but the ceiling was so high, another level could have easily been added to the structure. There was a skylight in the center of the room. 'This is definitely not a pre-manufactured playhouse.' He thought. It appeared to be custom designed and extremely well built. He glanced around the room he had just entered. It was set up like a mini cabin bedroom. There were several beds built into the walls bunk bed style. In the center of the room was a large table painted with game boards for checkers, chess and backgammon, surrounded by benches on all four sides. His eyes roved the room, trying to find Samantha. He finally saw her on one of the top bunks. She was sitting with her knees drawn up to her chest, her arms hugging her knees, with her forehead resting on her knees. She was slowly rocking back and forth. He approached her cautiously and then hoisted himself up onto the bunk, coming to rest behind her. He leaned back against the wall, folding his legs Indian style. He didn't say anything for a few minutes. He just sat there and watched her rock. Finally he decided to break the silence. "This is a pretty cool playhouse. It is so clean. There is no dust. Does someone come in and clean it?" He took a deep breath. "Samantha, we need to talk." He whispered.