her heart nearly leapt from her chest . i wake and sit up on the mattress . more than one christmas party guest over the years had been confused as to why mary had hung a stick on her tree ... at least until she told them to take a closer look . you dont need to cry or feel bad beth . the man at the bar saw them , and grinned . he had also learned that his mother could tell if he was lying about having brushed them if the bristles were still dry . 