Brent stood up again and planted his hands on his hips.

"What the fuck is with you?" He said as Curt came up to him and pushed him backwards. He fell back onto the couch again and then stood up quickly and shoved Curt back. Curt stuck his finger in Brent's face.

"Did I or did I not tell you to call her?" Curt seethed.

"I was gonna." Brent replied pushing Curt's finger away.

"Which month?" Curt turned his back on him. He was so angry that if he looked at him another minute he would punch him. Brent began to pace. God, he needed a cigarette! He considered going out to get some, at least the walk might cool him off and perhaps relieve some of the tension in his head.

"You know, I don't owe that bitch nothing. I am sick and tired of being pushed around by everyone. You included." He stood still and looked up at the ceiling. "She acts like I'm her property, you act like I'm your brother. My own brother doesn't treat me that way! What the hell do I have to do to get you people to realize I'm a big boy and can take care of myself?" Curt sighed and scratched his head.

"Brent, it's not that I don't think you are a 'big boy' but shit, it's obvious you can't take care of yourself! The things you get yourself into ... Roberta has no idea - well, perhaps she has some idea - about what you've been doing and who you've been doing it with. She doesn't know how you feel about Andrea. She just thinks Andrea's another lay. Is she another lay Brent?" Brent wheeled around and glared at Curt.

"You know she isn't!" He hissed. Curt shrugged and put his head down.

"Hey, how do I know? You don't make your inner most feelings available to me. And Roberta, you haven't even talked to her so how the FUCK is she supposed to know Brent, HOW?" He punched his own hand for emphasis. Brent leaped at Curt and started swinging. They rolled around, punching and hitting each other, feelings and emotions letting loose. After a while they both sat on the floor, panting. Curt looked over at Brent who's hair was in disarray, he looked beaten.

"You feel better now?" He said. Brent looked over at him and smiled. Then he laughed, they both laughed. They laughed until their guts ached. "I'm sorry man, I try to help you and it's like you don't want to be helped." Curt said when they stopped and he could talk again.

"I know. And I try to take your advice but I'm my own man. I handle things in the fucked up way I want to. I do feel bad that I didn't call her but I was dreading it and wasn't really sure what to say or how to say it. She doesn't love me Curt, she hasn't for a long time. I'm just convenience and a big dick to her." Brent sighed.

"Big dick?" Curt asked, doubtfully. Brent looked quickly at him.

"Yeah, big. BIG." He said back. Curt nodded his head and eyed him.

"Big?" He held his hands out wide like he was measuring a huge fish. Then he brought his two index fingers much closer together and measured an inch. "Or big?" Brent put up his fists at Curt.

"You want some more little man? I swear I will kick your ass!!" Curt laughed silently and then burst out in giggles again.

For the next few days Brent tried to call Roberta back to explain things a little better to her but all he got was an answering service or her secretary. He left a dozen messages. On Friday when Brent went to see Lauren she told him she was recommending another week of therapy to Dr. Matana. Brent was disappointed. He was hoping he'd be ready to start the tour the next week. This was a blow below the belt. He was worried about what everyone else would think about that! They had already been held up a month! "Lauren, are you sure?" He asked her again, he was pacing back and forth. She nodded making notes in a chart.

"I am sure, Brent." She said finishing what she was writing and then turning back to him. "Now, sit down and let's start again, slowly." He felt he was doing better but Lauren spotted some problems and wanted to work on them. She noticed that it was obvious he'd had no formal voice training and, she was positive, that after therapy he would be a much better singer. She just hoped he would be careful and not expose himself to bacteria like he just had. The next one could shut down his career altogether. She liked Brent and she liked Foul and would not want to see that happen. *Curt made sure their management knew about the extended therapy and held the phone away from his ear while their manager screamed obscenities. Once again, they were blaming Brent for getting sick. He felt bad that he'd ever felt that way. And being that he'd met Terri and had been having a wonderful time with her he was pretty pleased that Brent got sick and had to come here. It was a strange circumstance but it turned out good. He didn't even care that they had to tour an extra month because of it. Brent had therapy the next two weeks and he practiced his breathing and voice exercises diligently. Finally the last day of therapy was here, then he would see Dr. Matana and he would be released. Brent and Curt were excited but neither of them was looking forward to leaving. The night before Brent's last day of therapy Terri called Lauren and advised her to cancel all her patients after Brent. Lauren asked her why. Terri told her to just do it and wouldn't explain. "And bring your camera!" She added. Lauren went in that morning and did what Terri advised. When Brent came in at 10:00 for his appointment he had Curt with him and they both had their guitars. Lauren was very excited but she took Brent into the room alone and made him practice for her then she lectured him a while on voice and throat care and what to do and not to do.

"First off, water Brent. Drink lots of it. It hydrates your throat and put back vital minerals and nutrients you sweat out during one of your high-energy performances." He smiled at her.

"You've seen me?" He asked proudly.

"Only on TV. Second, no smoking! Can I say that enough?" He made a face.

"I told you I quit. And believe me, if I didn't have one the other night when my ex-girlfriend showed up here then I won't ever have another one!" She nodded to him.

"Good. Thirdly, when you are on tour - and even when you aren't - if you feel even a hint of a sore throat coming on don't talk at all. Seek medical attention at once. Even if it's nothing you're better off knowing." He nodded to her and then saluted.

"Is that all?" He asked, standing up. She stood up with him and looked him in the eye.

"Just take care of yourself. And I want to say what a pleasure it has been meeting you and working with you. You have a great voice and I enjoy your music very much." He smiled and put his arms around her. He hugged her tight and then kissed her cheek.

"Thank you for putting up with me. I irritate most people and after a while they can't stand to be around me." They walked out into the waiting room, his arm around her shoulder. Curt already had out his guitar and was playing for Andrea and the receptionists in the office. Brent pulled his out of the case it was in and they began to play together. Brent sang the songs but quietly. Andrea and Lauren sat together and listened, smiling at each other. Lauren brought her camera and snapped pictures of the guys as they played and after an hour, and they were done playing, Andrea snapped pictures of Lauren with Brent and Curt then some of the other girls in the office. At noon they dragged Lauren out of the office and went to a quaint little Italian restaurant called Leona's where they met Terri for lunch. They stayed there two hours eating and talking. Brent and Curt had a bottle of wine despite angry glances and warnings from Lauren. Lauren shook her finger at Brent.

"Water Brent, didn't I tell you water?" He grabbed her finger and held it.

"But I am celebrating dear Lauren. Here, have some." He poured some wine into her glass and held his glass up to hers. "I'd like to make a toast to Lauren." The other three were quiet and held up their glasses, Terri and Andrea weren't drinking wine since Terri had to go back to work and Andrea had an eight hour shift ahead of her so they held up their Cokes. "Thanks to Lauren I will have a long and healthy career." They all clinked their glasses and drank. He turned to Lauren. "Without drinking, without smoking, hey, do I have to give up sex too? Oh, what the hell's the use!" Lauren smacked him on one side, Andrea on the other and everyone laughed at the surprised look on Brent's face.

Friday morning Brent saw Dr. Matana for the last time. The doctor released Brent back into the crazy world from which he came. Brent walked out of the office not knowing whether to feel happy or sad. Happy because he missed touring and rocking but sad because he would really miss Andrea. Which would he miss more? He was torn. They went back to her house in silence. When they got there she went off by herself to take a shower while Brent sat on the couch with Rory in his lap. His mind was whirling as he stroked the kitty. He thought about the touring life. The bus. The parties. The fans. The whores. The boredom. He thought about Andrea. Her life, being alone here, looking as good as she does, those handsome, rich doctors in that hospital ... He started to feel a twinge of jealousy. He shook his head to snap out of it. Well, that was different! He laughed at himself. He was actually worried that she might find someone else while he was gone to occupy her time. Then he was worried again. Would she wait for him? Would he be able to wait for her? He was certain now that he could. He wasn't sure a few weeks ago but now, he nodded to himself, he was sure he could wait. If she wanted him as much as he wanted her then he could refrain from temptation and wait for her. He felt good about that and smiled. Rory had enough attention and jumped down. Brent took this opportunity to join Andrea in the shower.

Saturday Brent, Curt, and Terri went downtown again. Andrea stayed home because she had to work at three. Brent was hesitant to go. On Sunday the two spent the day together hiking at Starved Rock State Park. As they walked they held hands. They stopped for lunch under a huge tree near the bluff. Andrea spread out a large towel and they sat down. After eating Brent lay down on the ground, his head on Andrea's lap. She stroked his face lightly with her fingers. Finally she spoke.

"When do you and Curt have to go?" She asked quietly.

"Wednesday." He said. She sighed.

"So soon?" He took her hand, kissed it and then released it. "It seems like you just got here."

"It's been a month Annie." She dragged her fingers through his hair. "But it doesn't seem that long."

"What the hell am I going to do once you're gone?" She asked. He sat up then pulled her down to the ground and lay very close next to her. He looked into her eyes and touched her face gently. He leaned down and kissed her lips.

"We will talk to each other often. Every day!" She smiled and pulled his head down for another kiss. She then looked seriously at him.

"What are you going to do once I'm gone, Brent?" He knew exactly what she meant. He held her chin with his hand.

"Annie, I am going to be true to you. I will not stray. I can say that honestly looking into those beautiful blue eyes of yours and mean it. I, I ... " He trailed off wanting to tell her that he loved her but too nervous to do so, he kissed her instead. She held his head with her hands and kissed him sensuously, her tongue exploring his mouth. He moved his hands down her arm to her waist and then held her close to him. He pulled away suddenly feeling a stirring between his legs. It would have been fantastic to take her here in the open next to the river but he wanted her to know how he felt inside about her and not just the sexual part. "Annie," he said breathless. "I have been thinking about this a while and I want you to know how I feel about you." She stared deeply into his eyes as he spoke. She was breathing hard, her heart pounding, her body needing, wanting him. "I don't think I've ever felt this way so it's just a little confusing but the way I feel about you ... I, I ..." he stuttered again. She waited, watching expectantly. "I love you." There, he said it! It was out, floating in front of him. She breathed it in and then pulled him down to her, kissing and sucking. She wanted him then, greedy for his touch, eager to feel him inside her. She pulled at his clothes not knowing or caring if anyone could be or would be watching. She pulled down her shorts and he unzipped his pants, he took her there and, oddly enough, after all the times they'd made love in the last month this time was the sweetest. There was a soft breeze blowing making the leaves rattle, the smell of the earth and wildflowers caressed them gently. Birds flew overhead, boats whizzed by on the river. And Brent looked at Andrea and felt love. He was scared. It made him tremble. Afterward they lay together, holding, petting.

Later that night, in bed, as Andrea was about to drift off to sleep, Brent spoke.

"I want you to take a few days off and come with me to my first concert back." He said.

"I'll try." She managed to mumble. Satisfied, he draped his arm over her waist and fell asleep.

On Wednesday Brent and Curt were packed up and ready to go. They were on their way to Tennessee to pick up the tour. After they finished out the current schedule they would go back and make up the dates they'd missed while Brent was ill. Andrea and Terri were packed and stuffing things into the trunk of Andrea's car. Curt and Brent were heading off to Midway airport. Since they had just a few days to practice before the next concert, they were told to fly and save time. Terri and Andrea were going to drive down. Brent gave Andrea his cell phone and they agreed on a time when he would call her and tell her where to meet him. Since he'd been out of the loop for more than a month he wasn't sure exactly where and what they were doing. Before he and Curt took off, Brent placed his hands on Andrea's shoulders and smiled at her.

"I am happy that you are coming to see me. Please be careful driving down." Andrea placed her hands around his waist as he bent down and kissed her.

"I will Brent. I love you." She said. He pulled her close and hugged her.

"I love you too." He said. She pulled his face down to hers and then fluttered her lashes against his cheek. He looked at her, confused.

"What was that?" He asked. She smiled at him as he got into the car beside Curt. Terri and Curt had already said their goodbyes and Curt was now waiting for Brent so they could leave. Brent rolled down his window and leaned out to Andrea.

"That was a butterfly kiss." She said. "I'll see you later." Brent winked at her and Curt drove off, Brent waving out the window.

Lauren and her boyfriend met Andrea and Terri at Andrea's soon after. Brent wanted Lauren with him in Tennessee in case he had any trouble singing. Lauren didn't seem to mind this at all and, considering her boyfriend was a Foul fan, he was up for the trip too. When everyone was sure they were packed and ready they took off. Several hours later they sat in a restaurant in Memphis, eating, talking, and waiting for Brent to call. He did as they were paying the bill. He gave Andrea instructions where to find them and the four were off again. Andrea met up with Brent in front of a great blue bus near the hall where they were to play. They hugged and kissed like they hadn't seen each other in days. Terri rolled her eyes at Lauren. She wondered, aloud to Lauren, what they were going to be like when they really hadn't seen each other -- and for weeks! After brief introductions to whoever from the crew that was around Brent and Curt went with Andrea to check into a nearby hotel. Andrea and Terri got a room separately and Lauren and her boyfriend got a room together. Brent and Curt stayed the night in the room with the girls.

The next morning, after a huge breakfast in the hotel restaurant they all headed back out to the bus. When the band was practicing together Lauren stayed close by and helped Brent. He noticed that since he hadn't smoked in over a month his breathing was substantially increased and he could sing better. He felt good about his voice and was pretty excited for the concert the next day. That night, after making love, Andrea and Brent lay close together. He clung to her, running his fingers through her hair. Finally Andrea spoke.

"How's this going to work Brent?" She asked.

"What?" He asked, hearing but not hearing. She repeated the question. "First of all I will call you every day. Then whenever I can sneak away, I will." She was feeling a little restless and stirred against him. She asked a question she had been dreading.

"What about the girls, Brent? The whores?" He felt the pain of the question sear through him. He hadn't want to think about it or discuss it with her. He cleared his throat.

"What about them?" He asked casually. "They aren't going to bother me." She pulled herself up to look at him. He looked worried.

"They won't 'bother' you? That's not what I'm asking Brent and you know it." He stared her in the eyes.

"Baby, you know I love you. I don't tell people I love them unless I mean it. I swear to you, I will be good." He kissed her forehead, mainly to get her to stop staring at him with those piercing blue eyes. She sighed and leaned against him again. She believed him but she was still worried. A man is a man is a man. Sex is sex to them. To a man there is a difference between sex and love, to a woman they are one and the same. She worried that he would be tempted. She also worried about Roberta. He hadn't mentioned her since that night and she wondered at what point was their relationship. She assumed they had broken up. She could be wrong. Even though Brent was snoring lightly sleep wouldn't come for Andrea for hours. She was excited to be there at his first concert since his illness -- he'd come so far! But she was disheartened that it would be their last time together for a while. She wondered what she would do with herself while he was gone. She wondered what he would do with himself while he was gone. He might be good for a while but once he felt the need, would he stray? And if he did she wouldn't even know, so should she be suspicious from the start or give him a chance. Perhaps Curt would keep an eye on him for her .... She made up her mind to ask him the next day.

It was getting late and the stadium was filling up with people. The noise level was rising and Andrea, herself, was feeling nervous. She wondered what Brent was feeling. She looked over at him, he was sitting on a chair with his guitar in his lap, playing and stretching his fingers. He looked fine, calm. Curt was running around nervously, doing things at the last minute, getting ready. He was wearing his new electric blue pants he'd bought in Chicago. Brent was wearing the baggy pants Curt bought for him and his red Beaver Liquors t-shirt. He had on a baseball cap but was wearing it backwards. He looked adorable. Andrea walked over to him. He set down the guitar gently and pulled her down onto his lap. Andrea leaned down and kissed him lightly. He held her head and kissed her with more passion. She knew he was feeling at odds too about the night being over and them going their separate ways. She wiggled a little on his lap purposely and he held her hips steady.

"No, don't do that. I'm not going out on that stage with a woody." He winked at her and she smiled.

"You feeling okay?" She asked him tracing the lines of his face with her finger.

"I'm feeling pretty good. Where's Lauren? Make sure she's close by okay?" He said worriedly, looking around and spotting her and her boyfriend talking to a roadie not too far away. Andrea nodded and handed him his water bottle.

"Drink up Brent." She ordered. He did then tossed the bottle aside. "Are you nervous?" She asked as the backstage area was getting busier, more people hustling to get the stage ready. He made a face and shook his head.

"Not really, just excited. I love this time right before I go on, the sheer thrill of it all is enough to get me pumped." He looked calm.

"You don't look pumped." She noted casually. He shrugged.

"There's still time." She got up off his lap and went behind him. She massaged his neck and shoulders. He hung his head down and let her.

As the hustle and bustle escalated, the stage manager called out "Ten minutes." That's when Brent started to pace. He moved back and forth quickly, like he was about to start running. Andrea stood back and watched. She noticed he seemed a little awkward in those big pants and almost wished he hadn't worn them. When the announcer introduced them the other band members went on first, then Brent kissed Andrea lightly and ran out as the crowd started to scream and cheer. It was exhilarating! They started the set with a song called Hydrogen. After the song was over and before the next one Brent stopped to talk to the audience.

"I'm baaaaccckkk!" He shouted, the crowd went wild cheering. "You like my new look?" He asked them prancing around and showing his Kiks. They cheered again. "My girlfriend dressed me today!" He moved quickly from one side of the stage to the other then stood in the middle. "I'm sure you already know I was out of it for a while but I'm back now, with a new look and a new woman -- ladies and gentlemen will you give a warm welcome to my girl Annie?" Then he turned to her on the side of the stage and motioned for her to come. "Come on out here Annie, they're dying to meet you!" She shook her head and frowned at him. He motioned again with his hands. "Come on!" Terri pushed her from behind and she walked nervously out onto the stage. The crowd roared as he took her into his arms and kissed her. He held her in front of him. "Isn't she beautiful?" He asked them and they whistled and yelled. "She's a nurse -- and you know what that means!" He said, more whoops and hollers. Andrea smacked him and pushed away, he let her go. She waved as she walked off the stage and heard the crowd go wild. "She's a natural!" He shouted and then the band went right into the next song. They played some of Foul's more rocking songs for a while and then Brent toned it down a bit by switching from electric guitar to acoustic. He asked for a stool and got one. He sat down and, at Lauren's request, settled down to play a few slower songs to give his voice a rest. He was doing well, the things Lauren taught him about using different parts of his throat and all the breathing techniques were working great! He had energy, he held the notes, he wasn't panting, hell, he wasn't even tired and it had been over an hour since they started. He sang Shudder, Sunshine, Hideout, and, at Andrea's request Slow. She told him it was her favorite song and he made sure he sang it for her.

In another part of the hall, Roberta sat fuming. She made a special trip to be here for Brent's premier concert since his illness and she couldn't believe how he was treating her! He brought that good-for-nothing nurse with and flaunted her to everyone. This situation was getting worse and she felt helpless to do something about it. It made her angry and she felt like crying. She hadn't cried over a man in years and wasn't about to now. Especially over Brent. Who the hell was he anyway? Without her he would be no one. She helped launch his career! He was an ungrateful bastard and she would make him sorry for dumping her. And he dumped her for what? A dumb blonde broad who was a nobody! Well, she was somebody and she had the power to make him regret what he'd done. She would use that power to her advantage. It won't be long before he was on his knees begging for her forgiveness. And would she give it to him? She laughed out loud. No fucking way! He didn't deserve it. He knew she was there, he'd seen her earlier when that bitch was sitting on his lap. He looked at her and then looked away, never even acknowledging her presence. And then the way he talked about that woman to the audience, well that was way more humiliation than she thought she could stand. She felt tears sting behind her eyes. Her hands closed into fists and her nails dug into her palms. When tears leaked out and down her cheeks she turned and stormed out of the theatre.

Foul played for over two hours that night to a screaming, shouting, whistling, appreciative audience. When it was over, the band was tired and sweaty. "Get changed ... party!" Their manager ordered. The guys went into the bus and showered and changed. One by one they strolled back out. Terri, Curt, Brent, and Andrea went over to the party in her car, Lauren and her boyfriend following close behind. On the way over Brent begged Curt to let him go back to the hotel with Andrea. He told him he didn't feel like going to a party. Curt would have none of it.

"You have to go to this party Brent. It's really for you! You garnished a lot of attention during your throat thing and now that you're back the press wants to talk to you and shit. You can't leave, this party is about you dummy!" Brent sighed and slumped in his seat. His last night with Andrea for a while and it would be a short one! When they arrived Brent grabbed hold of Andrea's hand and they made their way around the room. Someone shoved a beer into Brent's hand and he gulped thirstily. He looked over to see Lauren shaking a finger at him. He raised his eyebrows at her. She shook her head at him and he smiled. "No alcohol." She mouthed and shook her finger again. He looked at the bottle, then back at her. She crossed her arms over her chest. He handed the bottle to Andrea and she drank it. Lauren smiled and blew a kiss at him. He asked for a bottle of water. It was a sorry substitute a for beer but with Lauren looking on he was nervous to drink anything but. She came over to him not long after to inquire how his throat was feeling. He admitted it was a little sore.

"Then definitely no alcohol tonight. You were great out there!" She said, he put his arms around her and hugged her.

"It's thanks to you." He whispered in her ear.

"No, Brent, it's all up to you. You do what you want and if you want to sing well then you will. I just opened the door for you, you stepped inside." He smiled at her. *Andrea, Terri, Lauren, her boyfriend and a couple other girls stood around chatting. Brent excused himself and made his way around the room. He saw some fans standing together, girls he'd known a long time and went over to chat with them. One of them offered him a cigarette. He held his hand up in front of him, warding off the smoke she shoved in his face. "No, no, no, I don't smoke anymore!" He said, afraid that if he even touched it he would smoke it to the nub. "After my throat infection it hurts too much." The girl shrugged and put it away. They talked and laughed a while, Brent noticed Andrea watched him casually. Did she trust him? He wondered but didn't really know. He left that conversation and went to the bar to get another water. Roberta found him there and stood next to him. He moved slightly away from her and looked quickly at Andrea to see if she was watching. She wasn't.

"Well, hello Brent." Roberta said. "I can't believe you haven't said a single word to me yet tonight." He looked at her, eyes cold.

"I don't think we have much to say to each other Bobbie." He said sipping from the bottle. The water was icy, much like his feelings for the woman standing next to him. But it was refreshing, much like the woman who was standing not too far from him looking radiant in a magenta low cut top and tight blue jeans. She was talking and chewing gum incessantly. He watched her appreciatively. Roberta watched him, hate welling up inside.

"I think there's a lot that needs to be said." She said trying to distract him. He turned to her.

"Say what you need to say and then get on with your life." He leaned back against the bar. She crossed her arms over her chest.

"Brent, I thought we loved each other." He smiled.

"No, Bobbie, I loved you and you loved you. And then you loved everyone else. I was just a plaything." She was stunned and hurt by that remark.

"I ought to slap your face again." She seethed. He turned and pointed a finger at her.

"Don't you dare do that here. You'll regret it woman. I let it go the last time but never again. Am I clear on this?" He turned away from her again. She took a deep breath.

"You'll be sorry for doing this to me Brent. You aren't even being nice about it. There certainly won't be a friendship out of this breakup." He chuckled.

"I can't see how I would possibly be sorry, babe. Look at her, she's gorgeous. And she isn't fake, unlike you. She doesn't have a team of professionals to do her makeup or her hair. She dresses herself. She's smart and supports herself." She felt her nails digging into her palm again. She despised him and at the same time wanted him to hold her again, to love her again. She wanted to feel his sexual passion directed toward herself and not that slut at which he was staring. She felt the tears again. Andrea looked around for Brent and found him standing next to Roberta. Roberta looked like she was going to throw up. She frowned at him and he came towards her leaving Roberta standing angrily alone. Roberta watched as Brent sauntered up to Andrea and pulled her into his arms for a kiss. When he was finished he looked over to Roberta and blew a bubble with the gum that had been in Andrea's mouth minutes before. Roberta turned and walked away. Satisfied she had gotten the message, Brent took a deep breath, let it out and joined the conversation the others were having.

Roberta waited in her car. The door opened an a man slid in next to her. He pulled her into his arms and kissed her. Her lips were cold and unfeeling. He pulled back and sat looking at her. Her eyes were red and watery. She had been crying. This made him very angry. It was Brent again. He always had a way of upsetting Roberta and it made him very angry.

"What now?" The man asked. Roberta turned to him.

"This is the last time he hurts me." She said quietly. "I am going to ruin him and you are going to help me." The man sighed.

"What do you want me to do?" She held his hands as she outlined her plan. She would have the man following Brent around, taking pictures of him with any girl he came into contact with. The man offered to drug Brent and they could pose him in all sorts of positions with a whore he knew that would go along with it. Roberta became more animated at this idea.

"Great! Let's get started." The man did get started at that, he pulled Roberta into his arms and began kissing her and tearing off her clothes. She gave herself to him, savoring the idea that Brent would be cold and lonely not too far in the distant future ..... and that whore he was with, well, she would get hers too.

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