"By most people's standards, yes," the woman continued. "But I'd be climbing the walls if I didn't have an occasional sexual release."

Jan just stared at her friend, unable to believe that Lois would be unfaithful to her husband.

"Me you suggesting that I take on a lover?" Jan suddenly asked.

"God, no!" Lois gasped. "That's the last thing I'd suggest. The problem between Ted and you can be worked out between yourselves, but my case is hopeless."

"Does your husband know?" Jan asked.

"He probably suspects," Lois continued, "but under the circumstances he never questions me."

"Do you really think that Ted and I can work out our problem?" asked Jan, a trace of hope in her voice.

"Certainly," smiled her friend. "You should consult a good doctor together, and I'm certain he'll be able to help you."

The subject of their sex lives was dropped and the conversation turned to chatter of a lighter nature. Jan felt much more relaxed as she drove home after a light lunch.

When she was only a few blocks from home, her car began to sputter, and then it stopped completely. Getting out and lifting the hood, she peered in at the engine, although she knew nothing about cars.

Within a few moments, a pickup truck stopped, and a stocky young man carrying a can of beer walked over to her.

"What's the trouble?" asked the dark-haired boy, dressed in a T-shirt and jeans.

"I don't know," she smiled, happy that someone had stopped.

After first surveying her smooth shapely legs beneath her white shorts, the boy looked in at the engine. Getting into her car, he turned the ignition, but nothing happened.

"Have you any idea what it is?" Jan asked.

"I think it's in the wiring," the swarthy young man answered, sauntering back to his pickup. Tossing the empty beer can into the cluttered bed of the truck, he returned with a fresh beer.