When I woke up, I was lying face down on a rooftop. I felt bloated, and ropes were cutting into my back. As my eyes focussed, I learned that I couldn't move my body—and that something was stuck into my mouth. Then I heard a hiss and felt myself bloat even further—and I knew exactly what was going on. I glared down at Janie, who was standing beneath me, pumping on the pump. She looked up, a tear in one eye. &quot;I'm sorry, Mommy,&quot; she said. &quot;I know I belong to you, and I always will. But I've just found out I really like this new life you've made me, and I can't have you just deflating me again, or telling me to be someone else. I can't just deflate _you,_ 'cuz I might lose my nerve and pump you back up again.&quot; She looked down. &quot;So I'm using the 'helium' setting.&quot; She stopped pumping, then reached up and duct-taped the pump to my side. &quot;Goodbye, Mommy. Have a safe trip.&quot; She cut the ropes holding me down and waved tearfully. I sailed up and away, a Macy's Parade balloon without a float, or even a parade. 2007-12-16T00:34:07Z http://ficlets.com/feed/story/15997 <p>Oh! Poor lady!</p> http://ficlets.com/stories/15997?basename=28419 2007-12-16T00:34:07Z someday_93 http://ficlets.com/authors/someday_93 <p>Oh no! Poor woman! I can&#8217;t wait for you to continue!</p> http://ficlets.com/stories/15997?basename=28413 2007-12-16T00:20:31Z Fyora Cartagan http://ficlets.com/authors/fyoramacragge <p>omg! This whole series has been amazing! It was strange at times but over all it was good. It took many twists and turns but overall: fantastic!</p> http://ficlets.com/stories/15997?basename=28411 2007-12-16T00:14:06Z SocccerISmyLIFE http://ficlets.com/authors/pink