Treating the numbers -- First, take your own pulse -- The vein, the artery, and beyond -- A dagger in the bed -- Decompression -- Sisters of the air -- Gifts and donations -- Gratitude -- Celestial housekeeping -- Redecorating -- Transfigured words -- The difference between a foot and a penis -- Shh! It happens -- Tired, hungry -- Narrow margins and close calls -- A dose of photo-realism -- A prisoner of war -- Shift change