Lab report outline
Monday, August 24, 2020
Impact of Deregulation and Low Cost Carriers on the Airline Industry Free Essays
Presentation The report will survey and assessing how deregulation and the development of minimal effort transporters have influenced worldwide rivalry and market slants in the kinds of items offered to clients in air travel. The report will distinguish the key jobs of the minimal effort bearers and how they are influencing the worldwide rivalry and the market drifts by presenting their methods and techniques over the greater aircraft industry. It will likewise be seen in the report how the aircrafts have made some amazing progress from the past till now and how the business is on a consistent change because of necessities and requests set up by the clients which at present is being dealt with by the minimal effort transporters somehow or another. We will compose a custom paper test on Effect of Deregulation and Low Cost Carriers on the Airline Industry or on the other hand any comparable point just for you Request Now While air travel was at one time an extravagance just the rich could bear, the passage of more aircrafts serving the busiest and most gainful courses has made airfares plunge. A portion of the carriers that will be taken a gander at are Buzz, Go, Ryan Air, and Easy Jet. These are notable ease aircrafts. This report will take a gander at the advertising conditions of the aircraft business and will break down the fundamental powers molding its future. It will focus on the effect of ease aircrafts on this industry. Fundamental The aircrafts are moderately new as a market driven industry. In 1938, the carriers confronted steep rivalry that was enthusiastic and unsteady. The business approached the administration for an administrative body to control rivalry. The recently shaped CAB solidified the business structure and shutting out new firms, which wound up making restraining infrastructures. The business proceeded in this state in spite of development in rush hour gridlock, expanded benefits, and evolving conditions. The defining moment for the aircraft business started in the late 1970ââ¬â¢s when the business expected to break liberated from its managed condition. New innovation and abundant benefits made rivalry a feasible choice. The outcome was the death of the Airline Deregulation Act in 1978. One of the huge impacts of deregulation was the expansion in the quantity of transporters and expanded rivalry. In 1978, there were 43 bearers guaranteed for booked help with enormous airplane. By 1983, there were more than 60 new transporters since the demonstration was passed. With the huge number of new carriers, the aircraft business had the option to arrive at new markets and develop massively. Joined with the value drops, air travel turned into an increasingly good approach to travel. Today there are no nearby substitutes for movement more than 150 miles. Anyway the pattern of an intrusion of carriers in the end transformed into numerous mergers, acquisitions, and insolvencies in the late-1980s to mid 1990s (see Figure 1) Still observed today, another impact of deregulation is the improvement of the ââ¬Å"hub-and-spokeâ⬠organize. The significant carriers built up this system to effectively oversee and serve more markets with a similar armada of planes. Another preferred position of the ââ¬Å"hub-and-spokeâ⬠organize is that aircrafts will convey the voyager from takeoff city to appearance city and not need to hand over clients to contending bearers. Explorers delighted in going with one aircraft however an additional stop was required. A showcasing development that aircrafts started after deregulation was the long standing customer program. Rehash clients earned focuses toward free tickets or redesigns. This program created unwaveringness past help and fulfillment with voyagers. As of late, the long standing customer program reaches out past accepting focuses for flying. The most well known is the utilization of Visas (focuses per pounds/dollars) and utilizing focuses to buy things other than aircraft tickets. A mechanical development in the business accompanied the presentation of PC reservation frameworks (CRS). This permitted carriers to monitor charge and administration changes. The frameworks permit operators to process a huge number of reservations daily. Today these exchanges have altogether expanded and with the presentation of the Internet reclassified how explorers shop, buy, and get tickets. As indicated by Geneva News article minimal effort bearers found not only the travel industry to assist it with building up it self in movement. They discovered that what could start as a vacationer course might be immediately received by specialists. This implying the ease carriers likewise are utilized by business. So the organizations additionally get some business in any event, during the slow times of year. These aircrafts help offer a modest method to have the option to get to the business places, verifiable zone, and Interesting urban communities. We see in Belobaba (2003) report that Easy Jet, Europeââ¬â¢s driving minimal effort aircraft. Presently what helped it become such a major name in ease air venture out in EuropeGoing to Easy Jets site, they endeavor to clarify how they work. It tends to be seen that they separated it into three things to make them a minimal effort carriers; The main thing is it is a ticket less aircraft, this cuts cost of paper and printing. The f ollowing thing they do is proficient utilization of air terminals; this implies Easy Jet can benefit as much as possible from now is the right time. Simple Jet likewise made a couple of manages air terminals cutting landing charges. The exact opposite thing Easy Jet has done to make its carrier so minimal effort is thereââ¬â¢s nothing of the sort as a free lunch. This aides as it cut expenses of food, and may enable the carriers to gain cash on the food they sell. In Belobaba (2003) report we see the U.S. circumstance with carriers. The report begins discussing the 11/09/01 episode. Were after the assaults on the twin pinnacle, the entire thing had adversely influenced the volume of business travel and 12.5% lower than in the previous year. The report continues discussing the development of minimal effort carriers. Decreased ability with respect to business voyagers and visitor to pay the higher airfares charged by organize transporters. Likewise some fascinating focuses with regards to the report are. ââ¬Å"In the US, low-toll aircrafts have displayed moderate yet consistent development since deregulation, yet low-admission transporters as a gathering represented under 7% of US household air travelers in 1991, contrasted with 81% by Major system bearers [The staying 12% was conveyed by littler territorial and neighborhood carriers]. Low-passage bearers developed all the more quickly in the US through the 1990s, to the point that the conveyed 20% of all US local travelers as a gathering in 2002.â⬠To take a gander at an increasingly world part of the travel industry we see in Christianto (2003) article that in 2000, there were 7.58 million travelers, yet the number expanded to 8.27 million of every 2001 and to 8.96 million of every 2002. Additionally as indicated by the article the figures are required to arrive at 10.34 million in the coming years. It continues discussing the value war. A war between the more high class enormous Airlines, and a significant number of the carriers that offer less expensive tickets. In this war they are attempting to set a story cost were aircrafts may not go under this cost. This is because of the high quantities of travelers going to minimal effort carriers to travel. We are beginning to see that with these minimal effort aircrafts the greater carriers are having issues clutching their clients. Presently there are aircraft organizations that are compelled to bring down their cost to contend with these minimal effort carriers. We consider British to be as one of those organizations. English aviation routes have as of late propelled a progression of modest flights. Later on there is a major chance that all these huge carriers should bring down their costs extensively. As postulations ease aircrafts appear to be removing all the potential customers from these large carriers. There is additionally too state that these enormous carriers are clutching their travelers for significant distance ventures. As these aircrafts are increasingly agreeable and further developed the explorers like them more. As though you need to spend quite a while in a plane you would pick the best circumstance. There are just a couple of minimal effort aircrafts that are set up. The quantity of carriers when all is said in done isnââ¬â¢t excessively high. We find in the U.S. for minimal effort aircrafts you have just a few. As itââ¬â¢s about the equivalent for Europe as we see aircrafts like Easy Jet, Ryan Air, Go, Buzz and just a couple of others. Concerning different regions it was elusive data on modest aircrafts. Europe appears to enormous the greatest purpose of minimal effort carriers. In Christianto (2003) report its demonstrated that movement between Europe has been seeing some genuine development. This by itself shows that with ease aircraft, there comes more the travel industry. There is additionally to state that in Europe it is advantageous for individuals to move around for business and travel. The main fruitful minimal effort transporter is commonly recognized to be Southwest Airlines in the United States, which spearheaded the idea when established in 1971 and has been gainful consistently since 1973. With the coming of flying deregulation the model spread to Europe too, the most prominent triumphs being Irelandââ¬â¢s Ryan air, which started low-charges activities in 1991, and simple Jet, framed in 1995. Starting at 2004, minimal effort transporters are currently edging into Asia, drove by administrators, for example, Malaysiaââ¬Ës Air Asia. Numerous bearers have selected to dispatch their own no-flame broils aircrafts, for example, KLMââ¬â¢s Buzz and British Airways Go, however have thought that it was hard to abstain from tearing up their center business. The European carrier industry is being stirred up by the nearness of minimal effort aircrafts. It is evaluated that current minimal effort aircrafts has extended their European piece of the pie from 5% in 2000 to 25% by 2010, as represented in figure 7, setting up themselves on a drawn out premise which will effectsly affect the European carrier industry all in all The minimal effort carrierââ¬â¢s aircraft industry is hugy affecting the worldwide carrier industry. The table underneath features how the market is moving to another plan of action: client conduct is changing Customers anticipate that web should give least conceivable value offer Price becomes unequivocal factor:â⬠Destination isn't! â�
Saturday, August 22, 2020
Summary Sample free essay sample
Creator: Joel Watson. Title: Strategy: An Introduction To Game Theory. Date of distribution: Year 2002 Publisher: W . W. Norton Company. Understand Pages: from page 1 to page 37. Setting: Author makes prologue to nuts and bolts of technique (game hypothesis) in formal and non formal circumstances like in financial aspects, business ventures or regular circumstances for instance among spouse and husband. In fields that can give full dissect of things, why they occurred and, what got them going. Rundown: In the start of the book writer presents us with significance of the word Strategy game hypothesis). With answers to questions like, what precisely does methodology mean, where would i be able to utilize procedure, and what sort of advantages does system offer. Writer utilizes explicit ordinary circumstances in exceptionally nitty gritty depictions, giving perusers chance to get significance and consequences of procedure in specific cases, for each person in own perspective. Further in the book writer presents perusers with non helpful and agreeable game hypothesis by and by utilizing straightforward, yet nitty gritty portrayal of the occasions. We will compose a custom exposition test on Rundown Sample or then again any comparable point explicitly for you Don't WasteYour Time Recruit WRITER Just 13.90/page Moving further creator acquaints us with structure of the catastrophe, taking two of most well known key structures broad structure and ordinary structure which are utilized in non helpful game hypothesis. Creator accepts that it is conceivable to distinguish explicit activities hypothetical outcome dependent on bunches of viewpoints, for instance aberrant impacts of others, and own decisions. Writer is breaking down this hypothesis in the primary part of the book, likewise portraying non helpful game hypothesis in an utilization of broad structure. In examination creator utilizes man called Jeffrey Guttenberg and his choices who lead to the universes well known film Anta. In this sort of examination creator sees essentially graphically developed tree which is made of starting hubs and branches. Moving significantly further creator portrays us Jeffrey Sternberg complete unexpected arrangement of beginning hubs which empowers to comprehend nature of his choices. My feelings: Till now my sentiments about the book are certain. While I read this book I delighted in writers simple method of composing. I could even say that I truly adored that he didnt use loads of obscure phrasing which in my point of view allowed me to all the more likely get considerations and thoughts of the creator. Additionally positive was thought of the mentor for depicting specific things in each littlest detail, in light of the fact that for my situation it would have been difficult to comprehend phrasing of complete unexpected arrangement or who could be Jeffrey Guttenberg. I read just 37 pages, yet I can obviously say that I got all the more comprehension of this specific hypothesis then I at any point got by perusing some other books of this sort in all my years! I can just give all my regard to the creator for making this field of science so natural to comprehend. Jargon, phrasing list: Strategy (is finished arrangement of moves in accomplishment of a particular objective) Non usable game hypothesis (this kind of hypothesis looks at singular choices making in vital setting) Cooperative game hypothesis (this sort of hypothesis analyzes companys and directors choices made by impact of the conventional agreement) Extensive structure ( is one of two recipes for the non helpful game hypothesis which is made on hypothetical information and numbers)
Wednesday, July 22, 2020
General IELTS Essay Topics
General IELTS Essay TopicsIf you're planning to go for an IELTS and want to check out some of the available subjects, there are a lot of topics you can choose from. We are going to discuss one of them and then let you know how you can find your essay topics.General IELTS is good for students who already have an idea about English and literature. You don't need to have a background in this area but the subject may help you to write better and more concisely. It will also make you feel more confident when dealing with words that are used in everyday life. Those topics will probably cover topics like business, politics, history, geography, law, and religion.You will also be able to focus on the subjects in which you are most interested such as grammar, punctuation, and syntax. You will also be able to start working on your IELTS with an easy level as well as with a bit of difficulty. These topics are the best for beginners because you will be able to write essays that will be mostly mem orized and easier to read.Beginning students may prefer to look into the other subjects of the course because they will be more familiar with subjects like the history of Europe, the technology, and the culture of Asia. This topic is also one of the best that students can choose from. With just the basics, you will be able to create something more impressive.In the Theses section, you will be able to work on grammar. Some of the common mistakes students make are using the wrong word, using the wrong verb, or combining the two incorrect forms of verbs. Those topics are worth writing about because you will get to practice being corrected by someone else. Plus, the subject matter is very important to successful IELTS.For students who want to be creative in their writing, they may want to look into the subjects of their interest, including history, music, philosophy, and religion. With just the basics, you will be able to create something more impressive. There is also a word problem th at you should study first so that you will know what is possible with your IELTS.In the Theses section, you will be able to work on grammar. Some of the common mistakes students make are using the wrong word, using the wrong verb, or combining the two incorrect forms of verbs. Those topics are worth writing about because you will get to practice being corrected by someone else. Plus, the subject matter is very important to successful IELTS.In the Theses section, you will be able to work on grammar. Some of the common mistakes students make are using the wrong word, using the wrong verb, or combining the two incorrect forms of verbs. Those topics are worth writing about because you will get to practice being corrected by someone else. Plus, the subject matter is very important to successful IELTS.
Friday, May 22, 2020
Racism A Concept That Is Not Exclusive - 2628 Words
Michael Roura Professor Emmert Introduction to Sociology April 27, 2015 Racism: A Concept That is Not Exclusive to the Majority Race Racism is a problem that has plagued the world since the very beginning of mankind. It is a very small minded idea that one human being is superior to another simply because of his skin tone. Racism does not define people as scholars or athletes or anything in regard to oneââ¬â¢s personality, it defines a person as white, black, Asian, Latino, and so on. The concept of racism can express that someone who has done nothing with his life or struggles financially or lacks education is automatically superior than another who may have graduated from an Ivy League College or works as a head of a large company, simply because the first person in the example is white and the second person is black. Racism is the cause of many of the problems the world has faced. Racism is what fueled American slavery. Racism was the cause of Apartheid in South Africa. Throughout most of the world, racism has been viewed in a sense that whites are superior than other minority races. Therefore, one can conclude that whites are the only race that can show racism in places where the majority race is white. However, the focus of this essay is to examine whether or not this conclusion is plausible. That is, are whites the only race that can express racism, or can a minority group such as blacks be racist as well. The idea that blacks can be racist is sort of a myth in todaysShow MoreRelatedThe Sneetches Analysis838 Words à |à 4 Pagesoften think of racism. However, racism and prejudice are not interchangeable terms. Through the phrase ââ¬Å"power plus prejudice,â⬠we have learned that racism, for example, can only be achieved with power. One can only be racist towards someone else if he or she has the power to do so. Meaning, is this person white or black? If theyââ¬â¢re white, they have power ergo can be racist. Throughout both ââ¬Å"Mixed Blood Stewâ⬠by Jewell Parker Rhodes and the story ââ¬Å"The Sneetchesà ¢â¬ by Dr. Seuss, the concept of power plusRead MoreRacism Is Effective At Maintaining Social Distance Between Whites And Blacks1730 Words à |à 7 Pages1997). Overt racism based on ââ¬Å"scientificâ⬠classification of blacks as inherently inferior to whites has ceded to covert forms of racism in contemporary America; as the resources over which whites have sought to maintain control have changed, so too have the arenas in which such control has been contested (Bobo, Kluegel Smith 1997). Mechanisms maintaining race-based inequality have gone underground, and social structures remain biased against black Americans. I argue that invisible racism is as effectiveRead MoreProblems Faced by Brazil and South Africa1296 Words à |à 5 PagesProblems Facing Brazil and South Africa: Brazil has always portrayed a public self-image of a racial democracy though its currently being challenged since black Brazilians struggle to capsize centuries of racism. While many black Brazilians have decided to fight numerous racial comments they receive from their white counterparts, their problems are deeply rooted in the countrys legacy of racial divisions. Many black Brazilians have continued to fight the long-denied space in the countrys societyRead MoreAnalysis Of Albert Einsteins Essay On Racial Bias In 1946 1080 Words à |à 5 PagesEinstein ââ¬Å"The Negro Questionâ⬠by Albert Einstein is an incredibly smart, thought-provoking, and forward-thinking for something that came out in the 1940s. Aside from the idea that discriminating black people is bad, many of the ideas expressed here are concepts that some people still do not understand. For example, the idea that one should be more mature before dealing with the political or complex issues of a nation is something people still do not realize today. Young people are still criticized for havingRead MorePersonal, Social And Institutional Power1726 Words à |à 7 Pagesexplored in Remember the Titans. Why is it important for young people to develop an understanding of these three concepts in todayââ¬â¢s society? (Link your response with examples from the movie and/or personal experience.) It is essential for adolescents to acquire an awareness of belonging, stereotyping and discrimination as it helps to further their ability to recognise these three concepts in todayââ¬â¢s society, to identify these issues and feelings within themselves and others, and how to help to copeRead MoreThe Effects Of Nomadic Culture On The Warlpiri1195 Words à |à 5 Pagesnomadic culture on the Warlpiri, concentrating on how the nomadic sense of home influences their lives both physically and intellectually through short-term resource management and the Warlpiri language. Following, it will analyse the Aboriginal concept of dreaming and of ancestry, in order to express how this spiritual system of belief meaningfully affects Warlpiri spirituality, ritual behaviour, and their connection to the surrounding natural environment. Jacksonââ¬â¢s reading will be analysed forRead MoreSocial Media And Its Impact On Campus958 Words à |à 4 PagesComments and Spread Them All Over Campus. Med ia and technology allow for a barrier to be built between oneself and direct consequences or criticism in which may arise, thus fostering an environment that facilitates racist commentary and action. The concept of this barrier is demonstrated through the Yik Yak posts at American University as well as specific online dating websites, twitter posts and televised performances. Rowlson describes in his article, Not Just a Preference, how explicit people oftenRead MoreThe Existence of Racism Essay1696 Words à |à 7 PagesThe Existence of Racism Racism is a term that is often used to describe a variety of social, culture and economic problems, but has, unfortunately, acquired ââ¬Å"so many contradictory meanings that it takes on the aura of a myth,â⬠it has become increasingly difficult to define (de Benoist, 1999, p. 11). Although the term wasnââ¬â¢t officially featured in the Larousse Dictionary until 1932, racism had been a dark cloud hanging over the global horizon for centuries (de BenoistRead MoreSsci 316 Study Guide Answers Essay978 Words à |à 4 Pagesthese patterns emerge due to majority (dominant) groupââ¬â¢s actions. frequently the inequalities are not recognized by members of majority, dominant group What is the distinction between racial minorities and ethnic minorities? Are these mutually exclusive? racial minority groups - defined as minority according to physical characteristics ethnic minority groups - defined as minority according to cultural characteristics can overlap. result from historical and social processes not biological processes Read MoreAnalysis Of Between The World And Me Written By Ta Nehish Coates 1367 Words à |à 6 Pagesheight of the civil rights movement, Coates models after his method. Coats and Baldwin write these books as guides during these critical moments in history not to aspire to any larger themes of overcoming or transcending ââ¬Å"raceâ⬠as a way to defeat racism but about the ways of survival and remembering. Coates is a realist who yet still find the beauty within the unequal disparities in America. How it is so apparent to see the devalue of black American live. Through out this novel Coasts examines the
Thursday, May 7, 2020
Essay on Childhood Obesity - 1599 Words
Childhood obesity is one of the most serious public health challenges of the 21st century. The problem is global and is steadily affecting many low- and middle-income families particularly in the United States. The socioeconomic status of these families contributes to the childhood obesity epidemic. Summary of Article 1 The article, ââ¬Å"Beliefs about the Role of Parenting in Feeding and Childhood Obesity among Mothers of Lower Socioeconomic Statusâ⬠is a study that was conducted by Alison Kalinowski, Kylene Krause, Carla Berdejo, Kristina Harrell, Katherine Rosenblum, and Julie Lumeng. The study was published in the Journal of Nutrition Education Behavior. The focus of the study was to examine beliefs about the role of parenting in feedingâ⬠¦show more contentâ⬠¦Summary of Article 4 The article, ââ¬Å"Factors associated with obesity in Latino children: a review of the literatureâ⬠is peer reviewed article that was conducted by Melanie L. Kornides, Panagiota Kitsantas, and Antonia Villarruel. The study was published in Hispanic Health Care International. The purpose of this article was to review the current literature on the factors associated with overweight and obesity in Latino children, provide nursing implications, and suggest direction for future research. The findings of this review indicated that factors related to activity, diet, genetics, the environment, and acculturation influence overweight and obesity in Latino children. The strengths of the studies reviewed included analyses by Latino subgroup, large Latino sample sizes, and inclusion of both English and Spanish speakers. Limitations included inadequate sample sizes in some studies and lack of data on potential confounding factors such as acculturation and immigration status. Future research is needed to determine how factors associated with obesity can be used in prevention efforts targeting Latino children. Summary of Article 5 The article, ââ¬Å"Disparities in obesity and overweight prevalence among US immigrant children and adolescents by generational statusâ⬠written by Singh and Kogan is a study that was published in the Journal Of CommunityShow MoreRelatedChildhood Obesity : A Obesity1247 Words à |à 5 PagesChildhood Obesity: A Review to Prevent the Risk Factors of Childhood Obesity in Our Community. The rates of childhood obesity Worldwide are alarmingly high! Obesity is a global nutritional concern and leads to horrible consequences on our children and becomes a worldwide pandemic. Worldwide estimates of obesity are as high as 43 million, and rates continue to increase each year. In this study, people will find healthy tips to prevent childhood overweight or obesity to help children in our communitiesRead MoreThe Prevalence Of Childhood Obesity1678 Words à |à 7 PagesThe prevalence of childhood obesity has remained a serious matter in the United States over the years despite its recent decline (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2015). Children who are obese can experience the same devastating health effects as adults who are obese ââ¬â cardiovascular issues, diabetes, breathing problems, and so forth. In addition, children who are obese are more than likely to become obese as adults, therefore the development of a health fair that would highlight increasedRead MoreThe Effects Of Obesity On Childhood Obesity Essay1953 Words à |à 8 Pagesfind out what has caused or what the leading factors to obesity are. Researchers are currently still doing research to find out what causes or what may be the lead to obesity. Childhood obesity is a serious medical condition which considers a child to be obese if their Body Mass Index (BMI) is at or above the 95th percentile for children and teens of the same age and sex. (Rendall., Weden, Lau, Brownell, Nazarov Fernandes, 2014). Obesity is on a rise in the Unites States and all over the worldRead MoreChildhood Obesity : Obesity And Obesity Essay1671 Words à |à 7 PagesFight to End Obesity Childhood obesity has increased drastically over the past years and has become a health risk to children. In fact, childhood obesity has doubled in numbers in the past thirty years (Childhood Obesity Facts). Obesity occurs when an individual becomes overweight and can be diagnosed by using the body mass index or BMI scale. Obesity causes many diseases in children which cannot be cured without a doctor, in result, childhood obesity drives high health care costs. The existenceRead MoreChildhood Obesity and Its Effect1260 Words à |à 6 PagesChildhood obesity is considered to be a serious issue among our youth. Obesity can cause many types of physical problems, which most are aware of, but it can also cause some undesirable internal feelings within children and adolescents who suffer from it. Self-esteem, or self-worth, is important as it helps develop personality and is a major ingredient to our mental health status (Wang, F. and Veugelers, P. J., 2008). Some have said obesity may e ven have a negative effect on cognitive developmentRead MoreChildhood Obesity : The Adolescent Essay3626 Words à |à 15 PagesChildhood Obesity: The Adolescent The Finale Paper Presented to: GEN499: General Education Capstone Instructor: Robert Bass Ashford University By: Ranita Wallace March 27, 2015 Childhood Obesity: The Adolescent Obesity is a growing health problem. Obesity is when individuals are overweight, it causes health problems and is a threat to their lives. Usually obesity is a result from over eating and lack of exercise. Obesity is the cause of many health problems such as diabetesRead MoreChildhood Obesity Essay976 Words à |à 4 PagesAccording to a 2010 report by The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the prevalence of childhood obesity has more than tripled in the past thirty years. As well as having an impact on health, studies have cited a relationship between obesity and poor school performance as well as a childââ¬â¢s readiness for learning and education. This can be correlated with studies finding ââ¬Å"obese children have a greater risk of social and psychological problems, such as discrimination and poor self-esteemâ⬠Read MoreChildhood Obesity : Obesity And Obesity1505 Words à |à 7 PagesChildhood Obesity Introduction Childhood Obesity has become more critical public health issue worldwide. However, obesity ratio varies from country to country. In addition, up to a quarter of Australian children are suffering from childhood obesity and obese children are at higher risk to become obese adult. For this reason, childââ¬â¢s weight always matters because it can impact on their health in future. There may be many reasons which affect childhood obesity including sedentary life style, lack ofRead MoreObesity : Childhood Obesity And Obesity955 Words à |à 4 Pageswhere the life expectancy of todayââ¬â¢s generation is being threatened. Prevention of overweight and obesity is imperative. Parents, especially mothers play a major role in preventing overweight and obesity among the children. Their knowledge of nutrition, food selection and family meal structure has major impact on their childrenââ¬â¢s food habit. The preschool age is crucial for the children to learn and develop their lifelong hab its. Education starts from home, where parents are the primary sourceRead MoreThe Causes Of Childhood Obesity1937 Words à |à 8 PagesCauses of Childhood Obesity Imagine yourself walking into a kindergarten class, and all you see are obese children not walking, but moving on wheels because they simply cannot walk anymore due to their excess body weight. Their legs are so weak since they have to handle so much more weight than what they are designed to do. This vision may no longer be fictional if the world keeps ignoring the issue of childhood obesity. Nowadays, not only adults, but the number of children who are obese are incredibly
Wednesday, May 6, 2020
Last Sacrifice Chapter Twenty Free Essays
string(82) " The things I did â⬠¦Ã¢â¬â¢ There it was, the same remorse Dimitri had felt\." ââ¬Å"YOU SHOULD SLEEP.ââ¬â¢ Sydneyââ¬â¢s soft voice nearly made me leap out of my skin, proving that even while in Lissaââ¬â¢s mind, I could still stay alert. I tuned back to Sonyaââ¬â¢s dark living room. We will write a custom essay sample on Last Sacrifice Chapter Twenty or any similar topic only for you Order Now Aside from Sydney, everything was quiet and at peace. ââ¬Å"You look like the walking dead,ââ¬â¢ she continued. ââ¬Å"And I donââ¬â¢t say that lightly.ââ¬â¢ ââ¬Å"Iââ¬â¢ve got to stay on watch,ââ¬â¢ I said. ââ¬Å"Iââ¬â¢ll watch. You sleep.ââ¬â¢ ââ¬Å"Youââ¬â¢re not trained like me,ââ¬â¢ I pointed out. ââ¬Å"You might miss something.ââ¬â¢ ââ¬Å"Even I wouldnââ¬â¢t miss Strigoi beating down the door,ââ¬â¢ she replied. ââ¬Å"Look, I know you guys are tough. You donââ¬â¢t have to convince me. But I have a feeling things are going to get harder, and I donââ¬â¢t want you passing out at some crucial moment. If you sleep now, you can relieve Dimitri later.ââ¬â¢ Only the mention of Dimitri made me give in. We would need to relieve each other eventually. So, reluctantly, I crawled into Sydneyââ¬â¢s bed on the floor, giving her all sorts of instructions that I think she rolled her eyes at. I fell asleep almost instantly and then woke up just as quickly when I heard the sound of a door closing. I immediately sat upright, expecting to see Strigoi busting down the door. Instead, I found sunlight creeping in through the windows and Sydney watching me with amusement. In the living room, Robert was sitting up on the couch, rubbing his eyes. Victor was gone. I turned to Sydney in alarm. ââ¬Å"Heââ¬â¢s in the bathroom,ââ¬â¢ she said, anticipating my question. That was the sound Iââ¬â¢d heard. I exhaled in relief and stood up, surprised at how even a few hours of sleep had energized me. If I only had food, Iââ¬â¢d be ready for anything. Sonya didnââ¬â¢t have any, of course, but I settled for a glass of water in the kitchen. As I stood there drinking, I noticed that the Dashkov brothers had made themselves at home: coats hanging on hooks, car keys on the counter. I quietly grabbed hold of the keys and called for Sydney. She came in, and I slipped her the keys, trying not to let them rattle. ââ¬Å"Do you still know about cars?ââ¬â¢ I murmured. In one exquisite look, she told me that was a ridiculous and insulting question. ââ¬Å"Okay. Can you go do a grocery run? Weââ¬â¢re going to need food. And maybe on your way out, you can, um, make sure their car has engine trouble or something? Anything that keeps it here. But not something obvious, like slashed tires.ââ¬â¢ She put the keys in her pocket. ââ¬Å"Easy. Got any food requests?ââ¬â¢ I thought about it. ââ¬Å"Something with sugar. And coffee for Dimitri.ââ¬â¢ ââ¬Å"Coffeeââ¬â¢s a given,ââ¬â¢ she said. Victor stepped into the kitchen, his typically unconcerned expression making me think he hadnââ¬â¢t heard me instructing Sydney to sabotage his car. ââ¬Å"Sydneyââ¬â¢s getting groceries,ââ¬â¢ I said, hoping to distract him before he might notice the missing keys. ââ¬Å"Need anything?ââ¬â¢ ââ¬Å"A feeder would be nice, but barring that, Robert has an especial liking for Cheerios. The apple cinnamon kind.ââ¬â¢ He smiled at Sydney. ââ¬Å"I never thought Iââ¬â¢d see the day an Alchemist would be an errand girl. Itââ¬â¢s charming.ââ¬â¢ Sydney opened her mouth, no doubt to make some biting comment, and I quickly shook my head. ââ¬Å"Just go,ââ¬â¢ I said. She went, and Victor soon returned to Robertââ¬â¢s side. Convinced the brothers wouldnââ¬â¢t be going anywhere in full daylight without a car, I decided it was time to check on Dimitri. To my surprise, Sonya was awake. She sat cross-legged on the bed with him, and the two spoke in hushed tones. Her hair was disheveled from both sleep and fighting, but otherwise, she showed no cuts or bruises from the battle. Dimitri had been the same after his transformation, escaping terrible burns. The power of a Strigoi restoration healed all injuries. Between my skinned legs and pseudo-concussion, I kind of wished someone had transformed me from a Strigoi. Sonya turned from Dimitri as I entered. A sequence of emotions passed across her face. Fear. Astonishment. Recognition. ââ¬Å"Rose?ââ¬â¢ There was hesitancy in the word, like she wondered if I was a hallucination. I forced a smile. ââ¬Å"Itââ¬â¢s good to see you again.ââ¬â¢ I chose not to add, ââ¬Å"Now that youââ¬â¢re not trying to suck the life out of me.ââ¬â¢ She averted her eyes down to her hands, studying her fingers like they were magical and wonderful. Of course, after being a monster, maybe having her ââ¬Å"old handsââ¬â¢ back really was wondrous. The day after his change, Dimitri hadnââ¬â¢t seemed quite so fragile, but heââ¬â¢d certainly been in shock. That was also when heââ¬â¢d grown depressed. Was she? Or did she want to turn again, as Victor had suggested? I didnââ¬â¢t know what to say. It was all so strange and awkward. ââ¬Å"Sydney went for groceries,ââ¬â¢ I told Dimitri lamely. ââ¬Å"She also stayed up so that I could sleep last night.ââ¬â¢ ââ¬Å"I know,ââ¬â¢ he said with a small smile. ââ¬Å"I got up once to check on you.ââ¬â¢ I felt myself flushing, somehow embarrassed that Iââ¬â¢d been caught in weakness. ââ¬Å"You can rest too,ââ¬â¢ I told him. ââ¬Å"Get some breakfast, and then Iââ¬â¢ll keep an eye on everything. I have it on good authority that Victorââ¬â¢s going to have car trouble. Also that Robert really likes Cheerios, so if you want some, youââ¬â¢re out of luck. He doesnââ¬â¢t seem like the sharing type.ââ¬â¢ Dimitriââ¬â¢s smile grew. Sonya suddenly lifted her head. ââ¬Å"Thereââ¬â¢s another spirit user here,ââ¬â¢ she said, voice frantic. ââ¬Å"I can feel it. I remember him.ââ¬â¢ She looked between Dimitri and me. ââ¬Å"Itââ¬â¢s not safe. Weââ¬â¢re not safe. You shouldnââ¬â¢t have us around.ââ¬â¢ ââ¬Å"Everythingââ¬â¢s fine,ââ¬â¢ said Dimitri, voice so, so gentle. That tone was rare for him, but Iââ¬â¢d heard it before. Heââ¬â¢d used it on me in some of my most desperate moments. ââ¬Å"Donââ¬â¢t worry.ââ¬â¢ Sonya shook her head. ââ¬Å"No. You donââ¬â¢t understand. We â⬠¦ weââ¬â¢re capable of terrible things. To ourselves, to others. Itââ¬â¢s why I changed, to stop the madness. And it did, except â⬠¦ it was worse. In its way. The things I did â⬠¦Ã¢â¬â¢ There it was, the same remorse Dimitri had felt. Half-afraid heââ¬â¢d start telling her there was no redemption for her either, I said, ââ¬Å"It wasnââ¬â¢t you. You were controlled by something else.ââ¬â¢ She buried her face in her hands. ââ¬Å"But I chose it. Me. I made it happen.ââ¬â¢ ââ¬Å"That was spirit,ââ¬â¢ I said. ââ¬Å"Itââ¬â¢s hard to fight. Like you said, it can make you do terrible things. You werenââ¬â¢t thinking clearly. Lissa battles with the same thing all the time.ââ¬â¢ ââ¬Å"Vasilisa?ââ¬â¢ Sonya lifted her eyes and stared off into space. I think she was digging through memories. In fact, despite her ramblings now, I didnââ¬â¢t believe she was quite as unstable as sheââ¬â¢d been just before becoming Strigoi. Weââ¬â¢d heard healings could lessen spiritââ¬â¢s madness, and I think Robertââ¬â¢s transformation had lightened some of the darkness within her for now. ââ¬Å"Yes, of course. Vasilisa has it too.ââ¬â¢ She turned to me in a panic. ââ¬Å"Did you help her? Did you get her out of there?ââ¬â¢ ââ¬Å"I did,ââ¬â¢ I said, trying to emulate Dimitriââ¬â¢s gentleness. Lissa and I fled St. Vladimirââ¬â¢s for a while, partly because of warnings from Sonya. ââ¬Å"We left and then came back and, uh, were able to stop what was hunting her.ââ¬â¢ I didnââ¬â¢t think it was a good idea for Sonya to know that the thingââ¬âor rather, personââ¬âhunting Lissa was now sitting out in the living room. I took a step forward. ââ¬Å"And you can help Lissa too. We need to know ifââ¬âââ¬Ë ââ¬Å"No,ââ¬â¢ said Dimitri. No gentleness now in the warning look he gave me. ââ¬Å"Not yet.ââ¬â¢ ââ¬Å"Butââ¬âââ¬Ë ââ¬Å"Not yet.ââ¬â¢ I shot him a glare in return but said no more. I was all for giving Sonya her recuperation time, but we didnââ¬â¢t have forever. The clock was ticking, and we had to find out what Sonya knew. I felt like Dimitri would have been able to give us this information immediately after heââ¬â¢d been changed back. Of course, he hadnââ¬â¢t been unstable beforehand, so heââ¬â¢d kind of had an edge. Still. We couldnââ¬â¢t play house in Kentucky forever. ââ¬Å"Can I see my flowers?ââ¬â¢ asked Sonya. ââ¬Å"Can I go outside and see my flowers?ââ¬â¢ Dimitri and I exchanged glances. ââ¬Å"Of course,ââ¬â¢ he said. We all moved toward the door, and thatââ¬â¢s when I had to ask. ââ¬Å"Why did you grow flowers when you were â⬠¦ like you were?ââ¬â¢ She paused. ââ¬Å"Iââ¬â¢ve always grown flowers.ââ¬â¢ ââ¬Å"I know. I remember. They were gorgeous. The ones here are gorgeous too. Is that why â⬠¦ I mean, did you just want a pretty garden, even as a Strigoi?ââ¬â¢ The question was unexpected and seemed to throw her off. I was about to give up on an answer when she finally said, ââ¬Å"No. I never thought about pretty. They were â⬠¦ I donââ¬â¢t know. Something to do. Iââ¬â¢d always grown flowers. I had to see if I still could. It was like â⬠¦ a test of my skills, I guess.ââ¬â¢ I met Dimitriââ¬â¢s eyes again. So. Beauty hadnââ¬â¢t been part of her world. It was just like Iââ¬â¢d told him. Strigoi were notoriously arrogant, and it seemed the flowers had simply been a show of prowess. Growing them had also been a familiar habit for her, and I recalled how Dimitri had read Western novels while Strigoi. Being Strigoi might cost someone their sense of goodness and morality, but old behaviors and hobbies remained. We took her out to the living room, interrupting a conversation between Victor and Robert. Sonya and Robert both froze, sizing each other up. Victor gave us one of his knowing smiles. ââ¬Å"Up and around. Have we found out what we need yet?ââ¬â¢ Dimitri shot him a look similar to what Iââ¬â¢d received when asking about interrogation. ââ¬Å"Not yet.ââ¬â¢ Sonya dragged her gaze from Robert and moved quickly toward the patio door, pausing when she saw our shoddy patch job. ââ¬Å"You broke my door,ââ¬â¢ she said. ââ¬Å"Collateral damage,ââ¬â¢ I said. In my periphery, I think Dimitri rolled his eyes. Needing no guidance from us, Sonya opened the door and stepped outside. With a gasp, she came to a halt and stared upward. The sky was a perfect, cloudless blue, and the sun had crossed the horizon now, illuminating everything in gold. I went outside too, feeling the warmth of that light on my skin. Some of the nightââ¬â¢s coldness lingered, but we were in store for a hot day. Everyone else came out too, but Sonya was oblivious. She lifted her hands upward, as though maybe she could grab hold of the sun and wrap it in her arms. ââ¬Å"Itââ¬â¢s so beautiful.ââ¬â¢ She finally looked away and met my eyes. ââ¬Å"Isnââ¬â¢t it? Have you ever seen anything so beautiful?ââ¬â¢ ââ¬Å"Beautiful,ââ¬â¢ I reiterated. For some reason, I felt both happy and sad. She walked around her yard, examining every plant and flower. She touched the petals and inhaled their fragrance. ââ¬Å"So different â⬠¦Ã¢â¬â¢ she kept saying to herself. ââ¬Å"So different in the sun â⬠¦Ã¢â¬â¢ Several especially caught her attention. ââ¬Å"These donââ¬â¢t open at night! Do you see it? Do you see the colors? Can you smell that?ââ¬â¢ The questions didnââ¬â¢t seem to be for anyone in particular. We watched, all of us kind of hypnotized. At last, she settled into the patio chair, happily gazing around, lost in sensory overloadââ¬âin that beauty that had been denied to her as a Strigoi. When it became obvious she wasnââ¬â¢t leaving for a while, I turned to Dimitri and repeated Sydneyââ¬â¢s advice about him taking a turn at sleeping while we waited for Sonya to recover. To my surprise, he actually agreed. ââ¬Å"Thatââ¬â¢s smart. Once Sonyaââ¬â¢s able to talk, weââ¬â¢ll need to move.ââ¬â¢ He smiled. ââ¬Å"Sydneyââ¬â¢s turning into a battle mastermind.ââ¬â¢ ââ¬Å"Hey, sheââ¬â¢s not in charge here,ââ¬â¢ I teased. ââ¬Å"Sheââ¬â¢s just a soldier.ââ¬â¢ ââ¬Å"Right.ââ¬â¢ He lightly brushed his fingers against my cheek. ââ¬Å"Sorry, Captain.ââ¬â¢ ââ¬Å"General,ââ¬â¢ I corrected, catching my breath at that brief touch. He gave Sonya a kind goodbye before disappearing into the house. She nodded, but I donââ¬â¢t know if she really heard. Victor and Robert brought out two wooden kitchen chairs and set them in the shade. I chose a spot on the ground. Nobody spoke. It wasnââ¬â¢t the weirdest thing Iââ¬â¢d ever experienced, but it was certainly strange. Sydney returned later with the groceries, and I briefly abandoned the group to check in with her. Victorââ¬â¢s keys were lying back on the counter, which I took as a good sign. Sydney unloaded an assortment of food and handed me a box of a dozen donuts. ââ¬Å"Hope thatââ¬â¢s enough for you,ââ¬â¢ she remarked. I made a face at her presumption but took the donuts anyway. ââ¬Å"Come on outside when youââ¬â¢re done,ââ¬â¢ I told her. ââ¬Å"Itââ¬â¢s like the barbecue of the damned. Except â⬠¦ thereââ¬â¢s no grill.ââ¬â¢ She looked puzzled, but when she joined us later, she seemed to get what Iââ¬â¢d been saying. Robert brought out a bowl of Cheerios, but neither Sydney nor Victor ate. I gave Sonya a donut, the first thing that took her attention from her yard. She held it in her hands, turning it over and over. ââ¬Å"I donââ¬â¢t know if I can. I donââ¬â¢t know if I can eat it.ââ¬â¢ ââ¬Å"Of course you can.ââ¬â¢ I recalled how Dimitri had regarded food uncertainly too. ââ¬Å"Itââ¬â¢s chocolate-glazed. Good stuff.ââ¬â¢ She took a tentative, rabbit-sized bite. She chewed it a billion times and finally swallowed. She closed her eyes briefly and sighed. ââ¬Å"Such sweetness.ââ¬â¢ Slowly, she continued taking more tiny bites. It took forever for her to get halfway through the donut, and at that point, she finally stopped. Iââ¬â¢d polished off three donuts by then, and my impatience to accomplish something was growing. Part of it was still the irritability from spirit, and part of it was just my continual restlessness to help Lissa. ââ¬Å"Sonya,ââ¬â¢ I said pleasantly, fully aware of how pissed off Dimitri was going to be at me defying his instructions. ââ¬Å"We wanted to talk to you about something.ââ¬â¢ ââ¬Å"Mm-hmm,ââ¬â¢ she said, gazing at bees hovering around some honeysuckle. ââ¬Å"Is there a relative of yours â⬠¦ someone who, uh, had a baby a while ago â⬠¦ ?ââ¬â¢ ââ¬Å"Sure,ââ¬â¢ she said. One of the bees flew from the honeysuckle to a rose, and she never looked away. ââ¬Å"Lots.ââ¬â¢ ââ¬Å"Articulate, Rosemarie,ââ¬â¢ remarked Victor. ââ¬Å"Very articulate.ââ¬â¢ I bit my lip, knowing an outburst would upset Sonya. And probably Robert too. ââ¬Å"This would be a secret baby,ââ¬â¢ I told her. ââ¬Å"And you were the beneficiary on a bank account that took care of the baby â⬠¦ an account paid for by Eric Dragomir.ââ¬â¢ Sonyaââ¬â¢s head whipped toward me, and there was no dreamy absentmindedness in her blue eyes now. A few seconds passed before she spoke. Her voice was cold and hardââ¬ânot a Strigoi voice, but definitely a back off voice. ââ¬Å"No. I donââ¬â¢t know anything about that.ââ¬â¢ ââ¬Å"Sheââ¬â¢s lying,ââ¬â¢ said Robert. ââ¬Å"I didnââ¬â¢t need any powers to figure that out,ââ¬â¢ scoffed Sydney. I ignored both of them. ââ¬Å"Sonya, we know you know, and itââ¬â¢s really important we find this baby â⬠¦ er, child. Person.ââ¬â¢ Weââ¬â¢d made guesses on the age but werenââ¬â¢t 100 percent sure. ââ¬Å"You said you were worried about Lissa earlier. This will help her. She needs to know. She needs to know she has another family member.ââ¬â¢ Sonya turned her attention back to the bees, but I knew she was no longer watching them. ââ¬Å"I donââ¬â¢t know anything.ââ¬â¢ There was a trembling in her voice, and something told me that maybe I shouldnââ¬â¢t push this after all. I couldnââ¬â¢t tell if she was afraid or on the verge of rage. ââ¬Å"Then why were you on the account?ââ¬â¢ This came from Victor. ââ¬Å"I donââ¬â¢t know anything,ââ¬â¢ she repeated. Her voice could have made icicles form on the ornamental trees. ââ¬Å"Nothing.ââ¬â¢ ââ¬Å"Stop lying,ââ¬â¢ snapped Victor. ââ¬Å"You know something, and youââ¬â¢re going to tell us.ââ¬â¢ ââ¬Å"Hey!ââ¬â¢ I exclaimed. ââ¬Å"Be quiet. You donââ¬â¢t have interrogation rights here.ââ¬â¢ ââ¬Å"You didnââ¬â¢t seem to be doing a very good job.ââ¬â¢ ââ¬Å"Just shut up, okay?ââ¬â¢ I looked back at Sonya, replacing my glare with a smile. ââ¬Å"Please,ââ¬â¢ I begged. ââ¬Å"Lissaââ¬â¢s in trouble. This will help her. I thought you said before that you wanted to help her?ââ¬â¢ ââ¬Å"I promised â⬠¦Ã¢â¬â¢ said Sonya. Her voice was so low, I could barely hear it. ââ¬Å"Promised what?ââ¬â¢ I asked. Patience, patience. I had to remain calm. I couldnââ¬â¢t risk a breakdown. She squeezed her eyes shut and raked her hands through her hair violently, almost like a child about to have a tantrum. ââ¬Å"Promised not to tell. Promised not to tell anyone â⬠¦Ã¢â¬â¢ I had the urge to run over and shake her. Patience, patience, I repeated to myself. Donââ¬â¢t upset her. ââ¬Å"We wouldnââ¬â¢t ask you to break your promise if it wasnââ¬â¢t important. Maybe â⬠¦ maybe you can get in touch with this person â⬠¦Ã¢â¬â¢ Who had she promised? Ericââ¬â¢s mistress? ââ¬Å"And see if itââ¬â¢s okay to tell us?ââ¬â¢ ââ¬Å"Oh for Godââ¬â¢s sake,ââ¬â¢ said Victor irritably. ââ¬Å"This is ridiculous and getting us nowhere.ââ¬â¢ He glanced at his brother. ââ¬Å"Robert?ââ¬â¢ Robert hadnââ¬â¢t done much so far today, but at Victorââ¬â¢s command, Robert leaned forward. ââ¬Å"Sonya?ââ¬â¢ Still obviously distraught, she turned to look at him â⬠¦ and her face went still. ââ¬Å"Tell us what we need to know,ââ¬â¢ said Robert. His voice wasnââ¬â¢t kind so much as smooth and lulling, with a faintly sinister touch. ââ¬Å"Tell us who and where this child is. Tell us who the mother is.ââ¬â¢ This time, I did jump to my feet. Robert was using compulsion on her to get the answers. Sonyaââ¬â¢s eyes stayed locked on him, but her body began to shake. Her lips parted, though no sound came out. A tangle of thoughts swirled in my mind. Compulsion would get us what we needed to know, but something told me, it wasnââ¬â¢t rightââ¬â Sonya stopped me from any more pondering. She shot up almost as quickly as I had. She was still staring at Robert, but no longer in that transfixed, hypnotized way. Sheââ¬â¢d broken the compulsion, and now â⬠¦ now she was pissed. The features that had been scared and fragile earlier were filled with fury. I had no magical senses, but after being with Lissa, I knew raging spirit when I saw it. Sonya was a bomb, about to explode. ââ¬Å"How dare you â⬠¦Ã¢â¬â¢ she hissed. ââ¬Å"How dare you try to compel me?ââ¬â¢ Plants and vines near Robert suddenly sprang to life, growing to impossible heights. They reached out, tangled themselves around his chairââ¬â¢s legs, and pulled. The chair toppled over, Robert along with it. Victor moved to help his brother, but Robert was already taking matters into his own hands. Recovering remarkably fast, he narrowed his eyes at Sonya, and she went flying backward, slamming against the wooden fence. Air users could do that trick sometimes, but this wasnââ¬â¢t air blowing her back. This was spiritââ¬â¢s telekinetic abilities. He apparently possessed them outside of dreams too. Lovely. Iââ¬â¢d seen spirit users battle it out before, when Avery Lazar and Lissa had gone one on one. That hadnââ¬â¢t been pretty, particularly since more than this exterior psychic phenomena had occurred. Avery had actually dug into Lissaââ¬â¢s mindââ¬âand mine. I didnââ¬â¢t know Robert or Sonyaââ¬â¢s full skill set, but this couldnââ¬â¢t end well. ââ¬Å"Dimitri!ââ¬â¢ I yelled, springing toward Sonya. I didnââ¬â¢t exactly know what I was going to do, but tackling her seemed like a sound plan. From what Iââ¬â¢d observed, a lot of spirit involved eye contact with the target. And sure enough, when I managed to wrestle her to the ground, she struggled half- heartedly but mostly fought to keep her gaze on Robert. He screamed in sudden alarm, looking down at his own body in terror. Sonya was planting visions into his head. His expression hardened. He had to know it was an illusion, and a few moments later, he looked up, having broken her spell like sheââ¬â¢d broken his earlier compulsion. Dimitri came tearing out the door at that point, just as Robert used his mind to fling one of the chairs toward Sonya. Of course, I was on top of her, so the chair hit me in the back. Dimitri picked up pretty quickly what was going on and ran toward Robert, attempting the same tactic as me. Victor, possibly thinking his brother was in physical danger, tried to pry Dimitri away, which was futile. More vines began to reach toward Robert, and I realized constraining Sonya wasnââ¬â¢t all that useful. ââ¬Å"Get him inside!ââ¬â¢ I yelled to Dimitri. ââ¬Å"Get him away from her!ââ¬â¢ Dimitri had already guessed that and began dragging Robert toward the door. Even with Victor interfering, Dimitriââ¬â¢s strength was enough to get Robert out of there and back into the house. As soon as her target was gone, all the energy seemed to fade out of Sonya. She made no more efforts to fight me and collapsed to the ground. I was relieved, having feared sheââ¬â¢d turn on me once Robert was gone. Tentatively, still on guard, I helped Sonya sit up. She leaned against me, weak as a rag doll, and cried into my shoulder. Another breakdown. After that, it was a matter of damage control. In order to keep the spirit users apart, Dimitri had taken Robert to the bedroom and left Victor with him. Robert seemed as worn out as Sonya, and Dimitri deemed the brothers safe enough to leave alone. Sonya collapsed on the couch, and after both Dimitri and I had tried to calm her down, we stepped away while Sydney held the Moroi womanââ¬â¢s hand. I briefly recapped what had happened. Dimitriââ¬â¢s face grew more and more incredulous as I did. ââ¬Å"I told you it wasnââ¬â¢t time!ââ¬â¢ he exclaimed. ââ¬Å"What were you thinking? Sheââ¬â¢s too weak!ââ¬â¢ ââ¬Å"You call that weak? And hey, I was doing fine! It wasnââ¬â¢t until Victor and Robert got involved that things went to hell.ââ¬â¢ Dimitri took a step toward me, anger radiating off him. ââ¬Å"They should never have gotten involved. This is you, acting irrational again, jumping in foolishly with no thought of the consequences.ââ¬â¢ Outrage shot through me in return. ââ¬Å"Hey, I was trying to make progress here. If being rational is sitting around and doing therapy, then Iââ¬â¢m happy to jump over the edge. Iââ¬â¢m not afraid to get in the game.ââ¬â¢ ââ¬Å"You have no idea what youââ¬â¢re saying,ââ¬â¢ he growled. We were standing closer now, hardly any space left between us as we engaged in our battle of wills. ââ¬Å"This may have set us back.ââ¬â¢ ââ¬Å"This set us forward. We found out she knows about Eric Dragomir. The problem is she promised not to tell anyone about this baby.ââ¬â¢ ââ¬Å"Yes, I promised,ââ¬â¢ piped up Sonya. Dimitri and I turned as one, realizing our argument was fully visible and audible to Sonya and Sydney. ââ¬Å"I promised.ââ¬â¢ Her voice was very small and weak, pleading with us. Sydney squeezed her hand. ââ¬Å"We know. Itââ¬â¢s okay. Itââ¬â¢s okay to keep promises. I understand.ââ¬â¢ Sonya looked at her gratefully. ââ¬Å"Thank you. Thank you.ââ¬â¢ ââ¬Å"But,ââ¬â¢ said Sydney carefully, ââ¬Å"I heard that you care about Lissa Dragomir.ââ¬â¢ ââ¬Å"I canââ¬â¢t,ââ¬â¢ interrupted Sonya, turning fearful again. ââ¬Å"I know, I know. But what if there was a way to help her without breaking your promise?ââ¬â¢ Sonya stared at Sydney. Dimitri glanced at me questioningly. I shrugged and then stared at Sydney too. If someone had asked who could stage the best intervention with a crazy woman whoââ¬â¢d formerly been an undead monster, Sydney Sage would have been my last guess. Sonya frowned, all attention on Sydney. ââ¬Å"W-what do you mean?ââ¬â¢ ââ¬Å"Well â⬠¦ what did you promise exactly? Not to tell anyone that Eric Dragomir had a mistress and baby?ââ¬â¢ Sonya nodded. ââ¬Å"And not to tell who they were?ââ¬â¢ Sonya nodded again. Sydney gave Sonya the warmest, friendliest smile Iââ¬â¢d ever seen on the Alchemist. ââ¬Å"Did you promise not to tell anyone where they are?ââ¬â¢ Sonya nodded, and Sydneyââ¬â¢s smile faltered a little. Then, her eyes lit up. ââ¬Å"Did you promise not to lead anyone to where they are?ââ¬â¢ Sonya hesitated, no doubt turning every word over in her mind. Slowly, she shook her head. ââ¬Å"No.ââ¬â¢ ââ¬Å"So â⬠¦ you could lead us to them. But not tell us where they actually are. You wouldnââ¬â¢t be breaking the promise that way.ââ¬â¢ It was the most convoluted, ridiculous piece of logic Iââ¬â¢d heard in a while. It was something I would have come up with. ââ¬Å"Maybe â⬠¦Ã¢â¬â¢ said Sonya, still uncertain. ââ¬Å"You wouldnââ¬â¢t break the promise,ââ¬â¢ Sydney repeated. ââ¬Å"And it would really, really help Lissa.ââ¬â¢ I stepped forward. ââ¬Å"It would help Mikhail too.ââ¬â¢ Sonyaââ¬â¢s mouth dropped open at the mention of her former lover. ââ¬Å"Mikhail? You know him?ââ¬â¢ ââ¬Å"Heââ¬â¢s my friend. Heââ¬â¢s Lissaââ¬â¢s friend too.ââ¬â¢ I almost said that if we found the missing Dragomir, we could then take Sonya to Mikhail. Recalling Dimitriââ¬â¢s feelings of unworthiness, I decided to avoid that tactic just now. I didnââ¬â¢t know how Sonya would react to a reunion with her beloved. ââ¬Å"And he wants to help Lissa. But he canââ¬â¢t. None of us can. We donââ¬â¢t have enough information.ââ¬â¢ ââ¬Å"Mikhail â⬠¦Ã¢â¬â¢ Sonya looked down at her hands again, small tears running down her cheeks. ââ¬Å"You wonââ¬â¢t break your promise.ââ¬â¢ Sydney was so compelling she could have been a spirit user. ââ¬Å"Just lead us. Itââ¬â¢s what Mikhail and Lissa would want. Itââ¬â¢s the right thing to do.ââ¬â¢ I donââ¬â¢t know which argument convinced Sonya the most. It could have been the part about Mikhail. Or it could have been the idea of doing ââ¬Å"the right thing.ââ¬â¢ Maybe, like Dimitri, Sonya wanted redemption for her Strigoi crimes and saw this as a chance. Looking up, she swallowed and met my eyes. ââ¬Å"Iââ¬â¢ll lead you there,ââ¬â¢ she whispered. ââ¬Å"Weââ¬â¢re going on another road trip,ââ¬â¢ Sydney declared. ââ¬Å"Get ready.ââ¬â¢ Dimitri and I were still standing right next to each other, the anger between us beginning to diffuse. Sydney looked proud and continued trying her best to soothe Sonya. Dimitri looked down at me with a small smile that shifted slightly when he seemed to become aware of just how close we were. I couldnââ¬â¢t say for sure, though. His face gave little away. As for me, I was very aware of our proximity and felt intoxicated by his body and scent. Damn. Why did fighting with him always increase my attraction to him? His smile returned as he tilted his head toward Sydney. ââ¬Å"You were wrong. She really is the new general in town.ââ¬â¢ I smiled back, hoping he wasnââ¬â¢t aware of my bodyââ¬â¢s reaction to us standing so close. ââ¬Å"Maybe. But, itââ¬â¢s okay. You can still be colonel.ââ¬â¢ He arched an eyebrow. ââ¬Å"Oh? Did you demote yourself? Colonelââ¬â¢s right below general. Whatââ¬â¢s that make you?ââ¬â¢ I reached into my pocket and triumphantly flashed the CR-V keys Iââ¬â¢d swiped when weââ¬â¢d come back inside. ââ¬Å"The driver,ââ¬â¢ I said. How to cite Last Sacrifice Chapter Twenty, Essay examples
Monday, April 27, 2020
White Demons Essays (217 words) - , Term Papers
White Demons White Demons My Mom was herded onto a boat. My dad was herded too. My sister and I could only sit back and watch, Until we were herded too. Sitting in that stinky boat Chained to the wall Only made us remember That hellish night before. My mother sold My dad moving on I stepped to the board And I was also sold The master's whip stung my back. The master's wife's words stung my heart. All I could think about was putting up a fight. But I knew better, my life depended On my decision to stay calm Standing at a counter, washing dishes and cooking food I remembered the time long ago And the ship I was forced to know Time had made my life hell Eternity was how it felt Finally I found hope, In the one I loved The one I adored. He was my hope my shinning joy! Our children soon came. Beautiful each one. My life no longer hell I could go on But then that awful day arrived And they all stood on the block All four of my children Sold like life stock My husband has been beat He is bleeding in my arms Will he die? The answer only tomorrow will bring Why had these white demons come? Taken all I knew And sent it in a whirl All my love lost What will tomorrow bring? Poetry and Poets
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