Mental Health and Illness Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Mental Health and Illness - Assignment Example According to (Coreil, 2010), there are five levels of determinants influencing access to and uptake of health care services. These include intrapersonal factors, interpersonal ones, organisational issues, the community and society. Community level factors include the environment, availability of public facilities, socio-economic, class and issues of ethnicity. They affect the way a particular community is able to access health services e.g. mental health. The society on the other hand influences health outcomes through policy, ethos of the nation, infrastructural considerations, cultural value systems, educational achievements and economics. There are macro-level factors and therefore affect healthcare access at the national level. Intrapersonal level determinants of health include personality, heredity, and cognition. Heredity can predispose individuals to mental health while personality and cognition affect their decisions on health issues. An individual’s home, family background and peer group influence comprise make interpersonal health determinants. Interpersonal level factors may influence ones perception of mental health and hence influence access. The organisational issues are schooling, membership to civic groups and factors to do with healthcare organisations. Presence of healthcare organisations for instance increase chances of access to services while membership to civic organisations increase ones information about available healthcare services. In my opinion the most important factors that will influence achievement of the HP2020 objective of increasing access to health care the societal level determinants of health. This is policies are formulated at this level as well as the funding for such noble objectives. Cultural values systems and infrastructural considerations all of which fall under the society level factors influencing health are also important in determining access to

Courage (To Kill A Mockingbird) Essay Example for Free

Courage (To Kill A Mockingbird) Essay The dictionary definition for courage is- Courage is the quality of mind that enables one to face danger or difficulty with confidence, resolution, and gain a firm control of oneself. Many of the characters in To Kill a Mockingbird show courage in their own way. Courage can come in many different forms: physical, mental, emotional and moral. Atticus shows courage throughout the novel while he stands up for what he believes is right even though he knows the majority of people disagree with his views. Atticus sees differently because he went to university and he got an education where he learnt about values and equality whereas the people of Maycomb who do not have the same education are basing their decision on what their family taught them and being from the south they have been taught to discriminate against which is why they treat Tom Robinson so unfairly. Atticus is also forced to shoot the mad dog (106-107) which is against his moral standards but he knew he had to kill it, not only to protect the people of Maycomb, he also had to put the dog out of its misery which took a lot of his strength and courage. Mrs Dubose shows courage and determination when she recognises that she has a flaw and that she has to fix it. She is addicted to Morphine and makes a goal to die free of her weakness. She goes through a time of withdrawal that is difficult to survive. She finishes her goal before she dies. She enlists Jem to read to her every Saturday as a way of distracting herself. It still takes a great amount of self-confidence to be able to recognise that one has a flaw and even more to do something about it. Scout shows a large amount of courage in the scene where Atticus goes down to the jailhouse in an attempt to try and protect Tom Robinson. After he arrives at the jail, a group of men appear in the jail with the intention of killing Robinson. Atticus is prepared to defend him, but he is thrown off guard when his children enter the situation. This makes Atticus nervous that his children are in danger. That was when Scout stepped up to the men and talked them down from attacking Tom and Atticus. Another example of courage is when Scout rolls the tire into the Radley yard. She is terrified when she realises where she is and her immediate reaction is to run straight back to the street. When she gets back Jem tells her to go back and get the tyre but Jem ends up doing it anyway. When Jem returns he accuses Scout of being a sissy girl. What he doesnt know because Scout decided not to tell him is that Scout heard laughter from inside the house. That is why she ran out so fast, forgetting the tyre. But she chose not to explain this to them.

The aims and nature of ryanair

The aims and nature of ryanair The aims of this report are to analyse and explain the nature of Ryanair business organisation, identify the contribution of functional areas to the operation of Ryanair organisation and to demonstrate an understanding of core concepts in functional areas. The objective of this report is to show understanding in organisations key areas such as: organisational type, financial information, marketing management, quality and supply chain. The Ryanair Holdings second-largest airline in Europe in terms of passenger numbers came to the business world in July 1985 with flights on a 15-seater Bandeirante aircraft. It was operating daily from Ireland to London Gatwick airport. Quantity of passengers was approximately 5,000 thousands. In 2009 quantity of passengers increased by 66,503,999 million. Ryanairs fleet rose to 232 Boeing 737-800. During 1985-2009 Ryanair has opened bases in the centre and north side of Europe. Low cost airline profits rose 200% to over 318 million euro while many of Ryanairs competitors announce losses and even more go bankrupt (Ryanair 2009). Ryanairs future activities will be considered in below presented articles. 2.0. Findings Figure 1. Ryanair Holdings Logo (Ryanair 2010) 2.1. Organisational Structure Bonderman and OLeary (1996) established a new company Ryanair Holdings, they have bought the control of Ryanair Company just for  £5 million cash, an airline they had valued at approximately  £57 million. From that moment Michael OLeary is Ryanair Holdings legal entity (Creaton 2007:117). 2.1.1. Sector in which Ryanair Trade According to Palmer et al., Ryanair operates in private-sector, because the aim of private-sector organisations is to earn profits for the owners of the organisation. As OLeary is entity of Ryanair, he: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦always acting in the interests of the company because he is a shareholder (Siobhan Creaton 2007:278). Moreover, OLeary said that he will earn as much profit as he cans (Siobhan Creaton 2007:277). In addition, private-sector is able to monitor the results of its marketing activity, as the benefits are usually internal to the organisation (Palmer and Hartley 2006:230). Ryanair publish their annual report which will be used in this report as an example of sources of finance (Ryanair Holdings 2010). Private sector is subdivided into four types, but Ryanair refers to two of them: Private Limited Company (LTD) and Public Limited Company. LTD permits some defence to the shareholders they take a risk to invest money for business. Thus, shareholders can use Ryanairs annual report (Ryanair Holding 2010) which includes detailed financial information (Boddy 2002:488). PLC must have a minimum share capital of  £50,000 and must have at least two directors. As to Ryanair, OLeary and Bonderman have bought control over Ryanair Limited for  £5 million (Palmer et al. 2006:220). Consequently, Ryanair Holdings PLC (Ryanair Holdings) is the holding company for Ryanair Limited (Ryanair). 2.1.2. Structural Style Ryanairs structural style is divisional, where administrators create divisions and make them responsible for all the functions to deliver their facilities to the consumers (Boddy 2002:245). Ryanair Company has geographic divisions, to the location of customers. For example, Ryanair has a group of people who works in Baltic countries, such as Latvia and Lithuania and there are managers, who are responsible for staff, customer needs, and manager use autonomy to meet local needs (Boddy 2002:246). 2.2. Ryanairs Source of Finance Ryanairs company is financed by internal sources sources of finance that come from the business activities retained profit. For example, if the Ryanair business had a successful trading year, the organisation can use got profit for future activities. Of course, Ryanair can use profit only after paying all its costs (Manak 2009:184-185). The advantage is that source is very useful for long term business, because they can use it sources for future business activities. For example, Ryanairs attendants sell a variety of products such as MP3 players, digital cameras, perfumes and so on. All the extras revenues are up to 15% of all revenues. Ryanair Company is trying to earn revenue on everything on the board except seats (Kotler et al. 2009:577). Furthermore, Ryanair is run by equity finance. That means that organisation or a person providing money, does not receive interest and there is no guaranty that it will be repaid. If organisation had a success in borrowing money there will be an increase in share value or in dividends. Besides, after borrowing success, shares could be sold to some on else. (Smith 2007:291). There are different types of shares: ordinary shares and preference shares. Ryanairs organisation has ordinary shares. Shareholders receive ownership of a small part of a business and they carry complete voting rights. The number of ordinary shares that Ryanair has is 1,476.4 (in Ms) (Ryanair Holdings 2010:138). Correspondingly, companys earnings per ordinary shares are 20.68 (euro cent). However, if organisation will have unsuccessfulness, shareholders will be last people who will receive proceeds and may be receive nothing at all. (Smith 2007:292). 2.2.1. Profit or Loss? Being based on Ryanairs Income statement for year 2010 company got the profit of à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬341million before tax and à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬305.3 million after tax (RH 2010:135). Thanks to lower oil prices, companys traffic increased to 14% of customers. Ryanairs non-ticket revenues rose to à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬661 million or 11% in 2009 but now (2010) account is 22%. Besides, Ryanair opened 280 new routes in 2009, with destinations such as Spain and Portugal for summer travellers, making higher summer rates. Besides, shareholders will receive special dividends up to 550 million euros. Congruently, Ryanairs chief executive OLeary will receive 20 million euros, who owns just 4$of the companys shares. (Guardian 2010) 2.3. Marketing strategy and Target Market Marketing strategy: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦involves the activities of selecting and describing one or more target marketsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ (Lamb et al. 2008:43). To identify target market, an organisation should identify which of the segmentation is distinct and actionable. Ryanairs target is market segmentation activity. Segmenting market relies on detecting the variables that differentiate customers with need (Boddy 2002:215). Ryanair organisation refers to demographic segmentation social class. It can be used characterised function standards such as education, profession and property worth (Kotler 2009:16). Company select only one target segment to focus on, consequently, organisation use concentrated targeting strategy. The advantage is that business may concentrate on resources and can better meet the needs of defined segment (Lamb et al. 2008:247). 2.3.1. Marketing Mix When target market is identified organisation can evaluate marketing mix. McCartneys four marketing mix tools were expanded to 7Ps by Boden, which had a more services focus and included process, physical evidence and people. 7Ps is a necessary mix that company should track to maximise marketplace results (Kotler et al. 2009:17).Ryanair is using 7P Formula for its brand image, which consists of: 2.4. Quality Strategy According to David Garvin (1981) there are 8 dimensions of quality that can serve as a quality framework. For Ryanairs Company quality strategy identification we will use only 4 the most obvious dimensions: Performance characteristics of a service (Garvin 1987:50). For example, Ryanairs service speed, flight booking is depended on your own, because Ryanair is offering only self-service. Another example is absence of waiting, unfortunately, Ryanair not the best in this service, because flights are usually delayed. Perceived quality -it is about clients previous experience, what he thinks about that company (image, reputation) (Garvin 1987:59-60). Focussing on core brand value (providing cheap tickets to approximately 49 million passengers who desire low cost to high service) is a key of Ryanairs success. (Kotler et al. 2009:443). Aesthetics it is about personal judgment of individual (Garvin 1987:59). For example, passenger is ordering some food that looks and tastes not as good as at picture was. In addition, sight or vision of service. For example, Air France KLM have an impression of luxury thanks to leather seats, while Ryanair has plastic seats with blue and yellow as the dominant colours of no frill focus company (Kotler et al. 2009:681). Serviceability how fast client will be served (Garvin 1987:57). For example, passenger is ordering some meal and he gives denomination but not a coins, it will take an eternity to receive back your change. So Ryanair has very poor serviceability. Relying on above mentioned facts it is possible to tell that Ryanair has not got any strategic quality at all. Ryanairs chief executive is obsessed with providing a functioning airline and cared little about pleasing its passengers, passengers number growth and companys profit (Creaton 2007:271). 2.4.1. 3 Key Areas of Quality Quality Service People Marketing High (Service satisfies customers needs) Sales promotion Low (customers are dissatisfied) Food for extra pay; Uncomfortable seats; Checked luggage; Bus transportation into town. Employees must pay for own security checks Staff must pay for own uniforms and parking Staff must supply own tea and water Advertising Service is an indicator of poor quality, because while you are flying at Ryanair aircraft you will not receive any food for free. For example, the hot dog for 4 euros (Kotler et al. 2009:577). Moreover, it is well known fact, that Ryanairs seats are uncomfortable, seats do not recline and seat-back pockets have been removed (Kotler et al. 2009:577). Comparing British Airways (BA) with Ryanair, BA has first business and economy classes seats, while Ryanair has only Economy class seats (British Airways 2011). Furthermore, client should spent extra money for bus or train transportation into town from distant airports that Ryanair uses (Kotler et al. 2009:577). Furthermore, Ryanair has poor quality in HRM. Staff could no longer enjoy their tea or coffee for free, staff must to bring own drinks and snacks to work. Cabin crew were banned to use ovens on board, because there will be no additional cleaning costs. Pilots were told that they can use only one ream of paper a day (for reports). They also have to do bi-annual medical examinations, in their own time, and what is the worst they have to pay for their own for it. Additionally, reduction concerns to uniforms, company will deduct monthly sum from staff pay to cover their uniforms. Besides, there is a problem of absenteeism in Ryanairs company (have lost over 10,000 days) (Creaton 2007:239). Ryanair is famous with rude and scandalous posters. One of the examples is poster which offended BAs company (Creaton 2007:239). Comparing Ryanairs posters with BAs we can say that BAs advertising is more enjoyable, because there are no slogans that are concerned with price reduction (see Appendix 1 and 2). The only thing that has a high quality is sales promotion; because a quarter of seats are free, passengers pay only taxes and fees of approximately 7 16 euros (Kotler et al. 2009:577). In addition, buying a ticket passenger can return their 10 pounds, receiving a coupon (after completing online booking Ryanair offer to complete form). 2.5. Sequence of Supply Chain Activities Ryanair Company provides transaction by airplane services. The table below shows the sequence of supply chain activities. At First, passengers decide to use Ryanairs airline then they have to complete the online form at Ryanair.com, then passengers will receive digital receipt at their e-mails. The following stage is online check-in, which you must to complete from 15 days up to 4 hours prior to passengers scheduled flight departure. Moreover, client must to print check in ticket. (à Ã‚ ¡Ãƒ Ã‚ Ãƒ Ã…“ à Ã¢â‚¬ Ãƒ Ã… ¾Ãƒ Ã¢â‚¬ ºÃƒ -à Ã¢â‚¬ ¢Ãƒ Ã‚  à Ã‚  Ãƒ Ã‚ Ãƒ Ã‚ ¡Ãƒ Ã… ¸Ãƒ Ã¢â‚¬ ¢Ãƒ Ãƒ Ã‚ Ãƒ Ã‚ ¢Ãƒ Ã‚ Ãƒ Ã‚ ¢Ãƒ Ã‚ ¬) At day of flight traveller arrives to the airport and registers their luggage and then goes transportation. When passenger arrives in the airport he should undergo the same procedure as well as before flying (registration, à Ã‚ ¿Ãƒ Ã‚ ¾Ãƒ Ã‚ »Ãƒâ€˜Ã†â€™Ãƒâ€˜Ã¢â‚¬ ¡Ãƒ Ã‚ µÃƒ Ã‚ ½Ãƒ Ã‚ ¸Ãƒ Ã‚ µ luggage). The disadvantage of Ryanairs Supply Chain service output is waiting time. It is the time that customer has to wait before flight. The lower the waiting time, the higher the level of service (Bowersox et al. 2010:51). For example, Ryanairs flights are often delayed and sometime even cancelled. Consequently, Ryanairs level of service is poor. 2.5.1. Value -Added Services Ryanairs internet booking is the value-added service in Supply Chain process. According to Bowersox (2010) et al. value-added services refer to unique activities that firms can develop to increase their productivity. For example, internet booking is unique activity, and passengers, buying tickets, online can save they time. In addition, online check-in is value added service, because if passenger does not have luggage (more than 15 Kg) he can go straight to the gate. Online check-in helps to save passengers time (do not wasting time staying in the registration queue) and companys time and money (staff working hours). The company is in great demand at consumers despite that consumers are performing self-service, of course except transaction by airplane. People are ready to for this kind of services, because they prefer low cost rather than high quality or supply chain services. Ryanair is offering close distance only that is why consumers prefer low cost ticket, 2 or 4 hours may not cost a high quality. 3.0. Conclusion The main conclusion that can be drawn therefore is that: 1. Ryanair organisation is trading in the public sector that gives an advantage for its owners, because private sector helps to earn money for them. Also, Ryanair adopted divisional structure, because airline has it offices almost in all over Europe. 2. Ryanair is run by retained profit and equity finance. Furthermore, company is making profit of à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬341m before tax. 3. Ryanairs target market is demographic segmentation if speak in detail Ryanair company is considering social class for characterising function standards such as education, profession and property worth. Ryanair is using Seven P Formula as a marketing mix for its brand image. 4. Quality dimensions speak about that Ryanair business organisation has got a poor quality. 3 key elements: people, service and marketing -are not high quality. The only thing that is high quality is Ryanairs sales promotion. 5. Almost all the Ryanairs services are self-services, except transaction by airplane. Correspondingly, Ryanairs supply chain has disadvantage such as service waiting time and supply chains poor quality. Ryanairs trading in the last 5 years are talking that organisation had pick moments and also had some falls. Generally, company had shown excellent performance in low-cost strategy, increasing it passenger number from 34.8 million (2005) to 66.5 million (2009), while many of Ryanairs competitors announce losses and even more go bankrupt. During 5 years Ryanair has opened bases several new bases such as Bournemouth, Birmingham and Belfast. Forecasting how the Ryanair business may proceed in the current economic climate, I may say that Ryanair will continue to exist in the world market, because its chief executive knows what people want low cost tickets. Consumers interest in traveling will continue to exist even in economic recession time. While consumers incomes are falling but supply is increasing, Ryanairs organisation will continue to offer low cost seats or even seats for free. I assume that in future Ryanair will expand it destinations to other continents such as South America and Africa, because company has got huge possibilities for that. The only thing to do is to find additional investors and to think over the strategic plan. 4.0. Recommendations In the light of these conclusions, I would recommend Ryanair organisation to improve organisations supply chain. All the Ryanairs destinations are operating into far-flung airports and passengers are confused about airports. All that it is necessary is change some of the destinations to major cities. Another solution is to write not only the airports name and country but write a citys name as well. In addition, I would recommend to improve quality strategy a specially one of the quality aspects people (HRM) as staff may start to strike. Their needs are not considered, company should prove such necessary elements such as uniforms and bi-annual medical examination. Of course, it will cost huge amount of money for the organisation but still staff will be satisfied. As a consequence, staff will work better and Ryanairs service will be little improved as well. References Boddy, D. (2002) Management An Introduction (2nd Ed.) Harlow: FT Prentice Hall. Bowersox, J., D., Closs, J., D., and Cooper, B., M. (2010) Supply Chain Logistics Management (3rd Ed.) New York: McGraw-Hill. British Airways (2011) Travel classes [online] available from [5 February 2011]. Garvin, D., A (1987) Managing Quality, New York: The Free Press. Guardian.co.uk (2010) Ryanair returns to profit [online] available from [9>HYPERLINK http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2010/jun/01/ryanair-returns-to-profit> [9 [9 February 2011]. Kotler, P., Keller, K.L., Brady, M., Goodman, M., and Hansen, T. (2009) Marketing Management. Harlow: Pearson Education Limited. Lamb, W., Hair, F., J., and McDaniel, C. (2008) Marketing (10th Ed.) Mason: Nelson Education, Ltd. Manak, S. (2009) Introduction to Business Organisation 121BSS, Glasgow: McGraw-Hill. Palmer, A., and Hartley, B. (2006) The Business Environment (5th Ed.) New York: McGraw-Hill. Ryanair (2009) About Us [online] available from [27>HYPERLINK http://www.ryanair.com/en/about> [27 [27 January 2011]. Ryanair (2010) Logopedia [online] available from [31>HYPERLINK http://logos.wikia.com/wiki/Ryanair > [31 [31 January 2011]. Ryanair Holdings (2010) Annual Report Financial Statements 2010 [online] available from [3 February 2011]. Siobhà ¡n Creaton (2007) RYANAIR: The Full Story of the Controversial Low-Cost Airline, London: Aurum Press Limited. Smith, M. (2007) Fundamentals of Management, Glasgow: McGraw-Hill Education. Bibliography Beckford, J. (2002) Quality (2nd Ed.) London: Routledge. Calder, S. (2002) No Frills The Truth Behind The Low-Cost Revolution In The Skies, London: Virgin Books Ltd. Harrington. J., H. (1987) Poor Quality Cost, New York: Mareel Dekker, Inc. Hoyle, D. (1997) QS 9000 Quality Systems Handbook, Newton: Butterworth Heinemann. Hutt, M., and Speh, W., Th. (1998) Business Marketing Management a strategic view of industrial and organizational markets (6th Ed.) Orlando: The Dryden Press. McDaniel, C., Lamb, W., Ch., and Hair, F., J. (2008) Marketing (10th Ed.) Mason: Nelson Education, Ltd. Waters, D. (2003) Logistics An Introduction to Supply Management, New York: PALGRAVE MACMILLAN. Appendices Appendix1

A Notion of Zero in the Philosophy of Aristotle :: Philosophical Math Essays

A Notion of Zero in the Philosophy of Aristotle ABSTRACT: This article shows that Aristotle created the first notion of a zero in the history of human thought. Since this notion stood in evident contradiction to the basic principles of his metaphysics and logic, he rejected it. The origin and development of mathematical symbols was closely connected with the development of mathematics itself and development of philosophy. It resulted from the fact that philosophy provided the motivation for investigations and creation of adequate and good mathematical symbols. Moreover, being one of the cultural factors, (1) it played a significant role in the process of accepting or rejecting certain notions. This article aims at producing evidence that particular ideas of Hellenic philosophy made it impossible for Hellenic thinkers to accept notion of a zero. The following considerations will be preceded by brief information on the ancient notations. The ancient numeric systems aimed at ascribing to a singular whole number or written symbol (up to a point determined by practical needs). This symbol was a combination of a limited number of signs, produced on the basis of more or less regular laws. (2) Three ancient groups of people: the Babylonians, the Chinese and the Mayas discovered a position principle, that is one of the prerequisites leading to discovering a zero and considering it a number. (3) The first appeared in the Babylonian numeration in the 3rd century BC as a result of overcoming ambiguity in the notation of numbers. The sign for a zero that is the so-called diagonally drafted double nail ( ) indicated, first of all, a lack of units of some "sixty" order. It was also treated as kind of an arithmetic operator, since adding it at the end meant multiplication by "sixty". But neither the Babilonian mathematicians nor astronomers treated zero as a number. A diagonally drafted double nail was conceived of as an empty pla ce, that is a lack of unites of a respective order. Hellenes people used two systems of denoting numbers. The Athenian system was mathematically equal to the Roman system, whereas the Ionic system, just like the Hebrew system, was a system of an alphabetic type. In both systems, just like in the Egyptian hieroglyphic system or the Hebrew numeration, numbers had their established values regardless of the place they were put in. (4) None of the Hellenic system was based on a position principle, none of them used a symbol of zero, either.

Art Critique

Patricia Gelin I. DoctoleroMarch 6, 2013 E-1R Mater Dolorosa By Simon Dela Rosa Flores (Critique Paper) The artwork entitled Mater Dolorosa that is painted using oil by Simon Dela Rosa Flores on a canvas (104 x 73. 5 cm). Simon Flores is known for his religious paintings that were commissioned by wealthy families and parish churches. The date of the painting when it was created was not known. I. INTERPRETATION When I first saw the painting, I thought of a mother thinking about her son/daughter.The children behind the mother and staring at her were her guardian angels that help, comfort and guide her to pray for her son/daughter. I think that the son/daughter has been a problem to his/her mother and has been gone for a long time. As a result, she has been waiting for him/her to come back to her care and she has been grieving, longing for them to be with her. The guardian angels are staying by the side of mother to be calm and tell her trust God to do the rest for her. The painting giv es a feeling to me that are serene and sad, but full of hope and trust in God that He will help her to bring back her child. Also read this  Critique of Stuff Is Not SalvationIn a way, I can also remember my own mother in the painting that always takes care of me and is always worried whenever I am not by her side. I chose this artwork because of all, I value most my family and God. This painting gives it all to me and reflects true emotions that a mother must feel whenever she is sad, longing for her child to come back to her. Many stories can be associated with this painting. Another story that I can also relate to the painting is the mother’s child has been dead and still the mother cannot accept the fact that her child was already gone.II. RESEARCH PART (Artwork Interpretation by Artist) The interpretation of Simon Dela Rosa Flores of his artwork entitled Mater Dolorosa was really what the painting wants to tell the viewers. He said that it was his own version of grieving mother with long wavy hair against a dark blue and white tunic that symbolizes the emotions that the mother feels like sad and anxious. The hands of the mother were clasped close to her heart to reflect grief. Her facial expressions were very passive and troubled.The children that are behind the mother were cherubs that are guiding the mother in times of he sorrow. III. ELEMENTS OF ART USED The elements of art that were used by Simon dela Rosa Flores were color and value. The colors that were used, symbolized the emotions and feelings that was felt by the mother in the painting like the dark blue for sorrow and the white tunic for hope and also for faith in God. The cherub’s color depicts guidance and also light from them. Value is also used in a way that the painting has its cultural value especially for Filipinos.It is also because of the deep meaning behind the painting of the grieving mother. IV. SOCIO-HISTORICAL CONTEXT ON ART AND SOCIETY Simon dela Rosa Flores is known in his time in devoting his art to religious views, wealthy and famous people. He likes making portraits of people and most of his paintings includes use of oil in a canvas. One of his religious paintings is the Mater Dolorosa which is close to his mother and child and San Roque but instead of the child there where cherubs. Mater Dolorosa means grieving mother in Spanish.Many versions of this painting were done specially on the Spanish times. Hs painting started in the 19th century where the illustrados saw the rise of art of painting. The illustrados contracted painters to make portrait of themselves to document and for others to see their new found wealth and social status. One of the painters who are appointed is no other than Simon Flores. He painted jewelry, fashion accessories, minuet details of embroidered clothes and religious patrons. From there, he started painting religious figures and even rich families became his focus. Art Critique Patricia Gelin I. DoctoleroMarch 6, 2013 E-1R Mater Dolorosa By Simon Dela Rosa Flores (Critique Paper) The artwork entitled Mater Dolorosa that is painted using oil by Simon Dela Rosa Flores on a canvas (104 x 73. 5 cm). Simon Flores is known for his religious paintings that were commissioned by wealthy families and parish churches. The date of the painting when it was created was not known. I. INTERPRETATION When I first saw the painting, I thought of a mother thinking about her son/daughter.The children behind the mother and staring at her were her guardian angels that help, comfort and guide her to pray for her son/daughter. I think that the son/daughter has been a problem to his/her mother and has been gone for a long time. As a result, she has been waiting for him/her to come back to her care and she has been grieving, longing for them to be with her. The guardian angels are staying by the side of mother to be calm and tell her trust God to do the rest for her. The painting giv es a feeling to me that are serene and sad, but full of hope and trust in God that He will help her to bring back her child. Also read this  Critique of Stuff Is Not SalvationIn a way, I can also remember my own mother in the painting that always takes care of me and is always worried whenever I am not by her side. I chose this artwork because of all, I value most my family and God. This painting gives it all to me and reflects true emotions that a mother must feel whenever she is sad, longing for her child to come back to her. Many stories can be associated with this painting. Another story that I can also relate to the painting is the mother’s child has been dead and still the mother cannot accept the fact that her child was already gone.II. RESEARCH PART (Artwork Interpretation by Artist) The interpretation of Simon Dela Rosa Flores of his artwork entitled Mater Dolorosa was really what the painting wants to tell the viewers. He said that it was his own version of grieving mother with long wavy hair against a dark blue and white tunic that symbolizes the emotions that the mother feels like sad and anxious. The hands of the mother were clasped close to her heart to reflect grief. Her facial expressions were very passive and troubled.The children that are behind the mother were cherubs that are guiding the mother in times of he sorrow. III. ELEMENTS OF ART USED The elements of art that were used by Simon dela Rosa Flores were color and value. The colors that were used, symbolized the emotions and feelings that was felt by the mother in the painting like the dark blue for sorrow and the white tunic for hope and also for faith in God. The cherub’s color depicts guidance and also light from them. Value is also used in a way that the painting has its cultural value especially for Filipinos.It is also because of the deep meaning behind the painting of the grieving mother. IV. SOCIO-HISTORICAL CONTEXT ON ART AND SOCIETY Simon dela Rosa Flores is known in his time in devoting his art to religious views, wealthy and famous people. He likes making portraits of people and most of his paintings includes use of oil in a canvas. One of his religious paintings is the Mater Dolorosa which is close to his mother and child and San Roque but instead of the child there where cherubs. Mater Dolorosa means grieving mother in Spanish.Many versions of this painting were done specially on the Spanish times. Hs painting started in the 19th century where the illustrados saw the rise of art of painting. The illustrados contracted painters to make portrait of themselves to document and for others to see their new found wealth and social status. One of the painters who are appointed is no other than Simon Flores. He painted jewelry, fashion accessories, minuet details of embroidered clothes and religious patrons. From there, he started painting religious figures and even rich families became his focus.

Blood Promise Chapter Fifteen

Abe glanced over at one of his guardians and gave a swift nod. The man instantly walked away. â€Å"It's done,† Abe said. â€Å"Just like that?† I asked in disbelief. His lips quirked into a smile. â€Å"Rolan knows who I am. He knows who works for me. Once Pavel makes my†¦ ah, wishes known, that will be the end of it.† I shivered, knowing Abe spoke the truth. Considering what a smartass I'd been to Abe this whole time, it really was a wonder I hadn't had my feet set in cement and been tossed into the ocean. â€Å"So why aren't you forcefully dragging me out of here?† â€Å"I never like to make anyone do anything they don't want to. Even Rolan. It's much easier if people simply see reason and do what I ask them to, without the use of force.† â€Å"And by ? ®see reason,' you mean, ? ®blackmail,'† I said, thinking of what I'd just agreed to. â€Å"We made a trade,† he said. â€Å"That's all. Don't forget your end of the bargain. You promised to leave here, and you don't seem like the type to go back on your word.† â€Å"I don't.† â€Å"Rose!† Viktoria suddenly appeared at the door. Wow, that was fast. Pavel was calmly dragging her by her arm. Her hair was mussed, and a dress strap was slipping from her shoulder. Her face was a mixture of incredulity and anger. â€Å"What did you do? That guy came and told Rolan to get out of here and never see me again! And then†¦ Rolan agreed. He just left.† I found it slightly funny that Viktoria immediately blamed me for this. True, I was responsible, but Abe was standing right there. It wasn't a secret who his employees were. Nonetheless, I defended my actions. â€Å"He was using you,† I said. There were tears in Viktoria's brown eyes. â€Å"He loves me.† â€Å"If he loves you, then why did he hit on me as soon as your back was turned?† â€Å"He did not!† â€Å"He's the one who got Sonya pregnant.† Even in the alley's dim lighting, I saw her face pale. â€Å"That's a lie.† I threw up my hands. â€Å"Why would I make that up? He wanted to make plans with me as soon as you were out of town!† â€Å"If he did,† she said, voice shaking, â€Å"it was because you led him on.† I gaped. Beside me, Abe listened quietly, a smug look on his face. He was so self-satisfied and probably thought he was being proven right. I wanted to punch him, but Viktoria was my concern. â€Å"How can you think that? I'm your friend!† I told her. â€Å"If you were my friend, you wouldn't be acting like this. You wouldn't try to stand in my way. You act like you loved my brother, but there's no way you could have-no way you really understand love!† Didn't understand love? Was she crazy? If she only knew what I'd sacrificed for Dimitri, what I'd done to be where I was now†¦ all for love. She was the one who couldn't understand. Love wasn't a fling in a back room at a party. It was something you lived and died for. My emotions surged, that darkness welling up within me that made me want to lash out in return for her horrible accusation. It was only through the strongest of efforts that I remembered she was already hurting, that she only said the things she did because she was confused and upset. â€Å"Viktoria, I do understand, and I'm sorry. I'm only doing this because you're my friend. I care about you.† â€Å"You aren't my friend,† she hissed. â€Å"You aren't part of this family. You don't understand anything about us or how we live! I wish you'd never come here.† She turned and stormed away, pushing back inside through the long line of partygoers. My heart ached as I watched her. I turned to Abe. â€Å"She's going to go try to find him.† He still wore that damnably knowing expression. â€Å"It won't matter. He'll have nothing to do with her anymore. Not if he values that pretty face of his.† I was worried for Viktoria but kind of had a feeling Abe was right about Rolan. Rolan would no longer be an issue. As for Viktoria's next guy†¦ well, that was a worry for another day. â€Å"Fine. Then we're done here. Do not follow me anymore,† I growled. â€Å"Keep your promise to leave Baia, and I won't have to.† I narrowed my eyes. â€Å"I told you: I always keep my promises.† And as I hurried back to the Belikov house, I suddenly wondered if that was true. The blowout with Abe and Viktoria was like cold water on my face. What was I doing here? To a certain extent, Abe had been right†¦ I had been deluding myself, pretending Dimitri's family was my own in order to soothe my grief over him. But they weren't. This wasn't home. The Academy wasn't my home either, not anymore. The only thing I had left was my promise-my promise to Dimitri. The promise I'd somehow lost sight of since coming here. Some of the Belikov family was in bed when I got home, but others were still in the living room. I slipped upstairs to my room, waiting anxiously for Viktoria to get home. A half hour later, I heard footsteps on the stairs and the sound of her door closing. I knocked gently on it. â€Å"Viktoria,† I said in a loud whisper. â€Å"It's me. Please talk to me.† â€Å"No!† came the response. â€Å"I don't ever want to talk to you again.† â€Å"Viktoria-â€Å" â€Å"Go away!† â€Å"I'm just worried about you.† â€Å"You aren't my brother! You aren't even my sister. You have no place here!† Ouch. Her voice was muffled by the door, but I didn't want to risk a fight in the hall and let the others hear. Going to my room, my heart breaking, I stopped and stood in front of the mirror. It was then that I knew she was right. Even Abe was right. Baia wasn't my place. In a flash, my meager belongings were packed, but I hesitated before going downstairs. Viktoria's closed door stared at me, and I had to fight the urge to knock again. If I did, it would only trigger another fight. Or, maybe even worse, she would forgive me-and then I would want to stay forever, lost in the comfort of Dimitri's family and their simple life. Taking a deep breath, I headed downstairs and walked out the front door. I wanted to tell the others goodbye but worried the same thing would happen, that I'd look at their faces and change my mind. I needed to go, I realized. I was angry at both Viktoria and Abe. Their words had hurt me, but there'd been truth in them. This wasn't my world. I had other things to do with my life. And I had a lot of promises to keep. When I was about eight blocks away, I slowed down, not because I was tired but because I wasn't sure where I was going. Leaving that house had been the biggest step. I sank down on the curb in front of a neighbor's silent, dark yard. I wanted to cry without knowing why. I wanted my old life back. I wanted Dimitri and Lissa. Oh, God, I wanted them. But Dimitri was gone, and the only way I'd see him was if I truly set out to kill him. And as for Lissa†¦ she was more or less gone to me too. Even if I survived this, I didn't think she could forgive me. Sitting there, feeling lost and alone, I tried reaching out to her one more time. I knew it was foolish, considering what I'd seen before, but I had to try one more time. I had to know if I really could have my old place back there. I slipped inside her mind instantly, my runaway emotions making the transition easy. She was on a private jet. If Jill had been stunned by meeting St. Vladimir's A-list students, going on a trip with them made her downright comatose. She stared at everything wide-eyed and barely said a word during the whole flight to the Royal Court . When Avery offered her a glass of champagne, Jill could barely stammer out, â€Å"N-no thanks.† After that, the others seemed to forget about her and got carried away by their own conversation. Lissa noticed Jill's uneasiness but didn't do much to remedy it. That was a shock. The Lissa I had known would have gone out of her way to make Jill comfortable and be included. Fortunately, the younger girl seemed perfectly entertained by watching the others' antics. I also took comfort in knowing Jill would be okay once she met up with Mia. Lissa had sent word ahead to Mia to come pick up Jill when they landed, seeing as Lissa and the others had to attend to one of Tatiana's functions right away. Mia had said she'd take Jill under her wing for the weekend and show her some of the innovative things she'd learned to do with her water magic. Lissa was glad for this, happy she wouldn't be babysitting a freshman all weekend. Even if Jill was totally off of Lissa's radar, one person wasn't: Avery's brother Reed. Their father had decided it would be a good idea for Reed to go with them, and seeing as Mr.-excuse me-Headmaster Lazar had played a key role in working with Tatiana to arrange this trip, there was little argument. Avery had rolled her eyes and spoken to Lissa about it covertly, just before boarding. â€Å"We're all riding your reputation,† Avery said. â€Å"Part of the reason Dad let me come was because you're in good with the queen, and he wants it to rub off on me. He's then hoping I'll get in good with her, and then that'll rub off on Reed-and the rest of the family.† Lissa tried not to over think the logic too much. Mostly, she was bothered because Reed Lazar was still as unpleasant as he'd been the first day they met. He wasn't really mean or anything; it just made her uncomfortable being around him. Really, he was the polar opposite of Avery. Whereas she was animated and could always strike up conversation, he stayed tight-lipped and spoke only when spoken to. Lissa couldn't really tell if it was shyness or disdain. When Lissa had tried asking him if he was excited to go to Court, Reed had simply shrugged. â€Å"Whatever. I don't care.† His tone had been almost hostile, like he resented her for asking, so she'd given up all other attempts at conversation. The only person, other than his sister, that Lissa saw Reed ever speak to was Avery's guardian Simon. He had also come along. When the flight landed, Mia was as good as her word. She waved enthusiastically when Lissa stepped off the plane, her blond curls whipping around in the wind. Lissa grinned back, and they gave each other quick half-hugs, something that never failed to amuse me given their former enemy status. Lissa made introductions for those who needed them as an escort of guardians led them away from the landing strip and toward the inner portion of Court. Mia welcomed Jill so warmly that the younger girl's uneasiness faded, and excitement glowed in her green eyes. Smiling fondly, Mia glanced away from Jill and over to Lissa. â€Å"Where's Rose?† Silence fell, followed by uncomfortable glances. â€Å"What?† demanded Mia. â€Å"What did I say?† â€Å"Rose is gone,† said Lissa. â€Å"Sorry†¦ I thought you knew. She dropped out and left after the attack because there were some things†¦ some personal things†¦ she needed to take care of.† Lissa feared Mia would ask about the personal things. Only a few people knew about my search for Dimitri, and Lissa wanted to keep it that way. Most thought I'd just disappeared from post-battle trauma. Mia's next question completely shocked Lissa. â€Å"Why didn't you go with her?† â€Å"What?† Lissa stammered. â€Å"Why would I do that? Rose dropped out. No way am I going to.† â€Å"Yeah, I suppose.† Mia turned speculative. â€Å"You guys are just so close-even without the bond. I assumed you'd follow each other to the ends of the earth and figure out the details later.† Mia's own life had gone through so much upheaval that she took that kind of thing in stride. That weird, fluctuating anger I'd been feeling pop up in Lissa every so often suddenly reared its head and turned on Mia. â€Å"Yeah, well, if we were so close, then it seems like she wouldn't have left in the first place. She's the selfish one, not me.† The words stung me and clearly shocked Mia. Mia had a temper of her own, but she sat on it and simply held up her hands in an apologetic way. She really had changed. â€Å"Sorry. Wasn't trying to accuse you of anything.† Lissa said nothing else. Since my departure, she'd beat herself up about a lot of things. She'd gone over and over things she could have done for me before or after the attack, things that might have made me stay. But it had never occurred to her to go with me, and the revelation hit her like a smack to the face. Mia's words made her feel guilty and angry all at the same time-and she wasn't sure who she was the maddest at: me or herself. â€Å"I know what you're thinking,† said Adrian a few minutes later, once Mia had led Jill away and promised to meet up later. â€Å"What, you read minds now?† asked Lissa. â€Å"Don't have to. It's written all over your face. And Rose never would have let you go with her, so stop agonizing over it.† They entered the royal guest housing, which was just as lush and opulent as it had been when I'd stayed there. â€Å"You don't know that. I could have talked her into it.† â€Å"No,† said Adrian sharply. â€Å"You couldn't have. I'm serious-don't give yourself one more thing to be depressed about.† â€Å"Hey, who said I'm depressed? Like I said, she abandoned me.† Adrian was surprised. Since my departure, Lissa had been more sad than anything. She'd occasionally been angry at my decision, but neither Adrian nor I had seen such vehemence from her. Dark feelings boiled within her heart. â€Å"I thought you understood,† said Adrian, with a small, puzzled frown. â€Å"I thought you said you'd-â€Å" Avery suddenly interrupted, giving Adrian a sharp look. â€Å"Hey, hey. Leave her alone, okay? We'll see you at the reception.† They were at a point where the groups had to split, girls going to one part of the lodging and guys to the other. Adrian looked like he wanted to say more, but instead he nodded and headed off with Reed and a couple of guardians. Avery put a gentle arm around Lissa as she glared at Adrian's retreating figure. â€Å"You okay?† Avery's normally laughing face was filled with concern. It startled Lissa in the same way Adrian's moments of seriousness always startled me. â€Å"I guess. I don't know.† â€Å"Don't beat yourself up over what you could have or should have done. The past is gone. Move on to the future.† Lissa's heart was still heavy, her mood blacker than it had been in quite a while. She managed a tight smile. â€Å"I think that's the wisest thing you've ever said.† â€Å"I know! Can you believe it? Do you think it'll impress Adrian?† They dissolved into laughter, yet despite her cheery exterior, Lissa was still struck by Mia's offhand comments. They plagued Lissa in a way she hadn't thought possible. What really bothered her the most wasn't the thought that if she'd come with me, she could have kept me out of trouble. No. Her biggest issue was that she hadn't thought of coming with me in the first place. I was her best friend. As far as she was concerned, that should have been her immediate reaction to my departure. It hadn't been, and now Lissa was racked with even more guilt than usual. The guilt was all-consuming, and she would occasionally transform it to anger to ease the pain. It didn't help much. Her mood didn't improve as the evening progressed, either. Not long after the group's arrival, the queen hosted a small reception for the most elite of all visitors who had come to the Court. Lissa was quickly discovering that the queen always seemed to be hosting some party or another. At one point in her life, Lissa would have considered that fun. She no longer did, at least not when it came to these kinds of parties. But keeping her dark feelings locked up, Lissa stayed good at playing the role of nice royal girl. The queen seemed happy that Lissa had a â€Å"suitable† royal friend and was equally pleased when Lissa impressed other royals and dignitaries she was introduced to. At one point, though, Lissa's resolve nearly faltered. â€Å"Before you leave,† said Tatiana, â€Å"we should see about your guardians.† She and Lissa stood together with a group of admirers and hangers-on who were keeping respectful distances. Lissa had been staring vacantly at the bubbles in her untouched champagne and looked up with a start. â€Å"Guardians, your majesty?† â€Å"Well, there's no delicate way to put this, but now, for better or for worse, you're without any protection.† The queen paused respectfully. â€Å"Belikov was a good man.† My name naturally didn't come to her lips. I might as well have never existed. She'd never liked me, particularly since she thought I was going to run off with Adrian. As it was, Lissa had noticed Tatiana watching with some consideration while Avery and Adrian flirted. It was hard to say if the queen disapproved. Her partying aside, Avery seemed a model girl-save that Tatiana had wanted Lissa and Adrian to eventually get together. â€Å"I don't need any protection right now,† said Lissa politely, her heart clenching. â€Å"No, but you'll be out of school soon enough. We think we've found some excellent candidates for you. One of them's a woman-a lucky find.† â€Å"Janine Hathaway offered to be my guardian,† said Lissa suddenly. I hadn't known that, but as she spoke, I read the story in her mind. My mom had approached her not long after I left. I was a little shocked. My mom was very loyal to her current assignment. This would have been a big move for her. â€Å"Janine Hathaway?† Tatiana's eyebrows rose nearly to her hairline. â€Å"I'm sure she has other commitments. No, we've got much better choices. This young lady's only a few years older than you.† A better choice than Janine Hathaway? Not likely. Before Dimitri, my mother had been the gold standard by which I measured all badassedness. Tatiana's â€Å"young lady† was undoubtedly someone under the queen's control-and more importantly, not a Hathaway. The queen didn't like my mom any more than she liked me. Once, when Tatiana had been bitching me out for something, she'd made a reference to a man my mother had been involved with-someone whom I suspected might be my father, a guy named Ibrahim. The funny thing was, the queen had almost sounded like she had once had an interest in the guy too, and I had to wonder if that was part of her dislike for my family. Lissa put on a tight, polite smile for the queen and thanked her for the consideration. Lissa and I both understood what was going on. This was Tatiana's game. Everyone was part of her plan, and there was no way to go against her. For a brief moment, Lissa had that strange thought again, of something Victor Dashkov had once said to her. Aside from his crazy killing and kidnapping schemes, Victor had also wanted to start a revolution among the Moroi. He thought the power distribution was off-something Lissa occasionally believed too-and that it was wielded unfairly by those with too much control. The moment was gone almost as soon as it came. Victor Dashkov was a crazy villain whose ideas deserved no acknowledgment. Then, as soon as courtesy allowed, Lissa excused herself from the queen and headed across the room, feeling like she was going to explode with grief and anger. She nearly ran into Avery as she did. â€Å"God,† said Avery. â€Å"Do you think Reed could embarrass me any more? Two people have tried to make conversation with him, and he keeps scaring them off. He actually just told Robin Badica to shut up. I mean, yeah, she was going on and on, but still. That is not cool.† Avery's dramatic look of exasperation faded as she took in Lissa's face. â€Å"Hey, what's wrong?† Lissa glanced at Tatiana and then turned back to Avery, taking comfort in her friend's blue-gray eyes. â€Å"I need to get out of here.† Lissa took a deep, calming breath. â€Å"Remember all that good stuff you said you knew about? When is that going to happen?† Avery smiled. â€Å"As soon as you want.† I returned to myself, sitting there on the curb. My emotions were still going crazy, and my eyes were fighting off tears. My earlier doubts were confirmed: Lissa didn't need me anymore†¦ and yet, I still had that feeling that there was something odd going on that I couldn't quite put a finger on. I supposed her guilt over Mia's comment or spirit side effects could be affecting her, but still†¦ she wasn't the same Lissa. Footsteps on the pavement made me look up. Of all the people who might have found me, I would have expected Abe or maybe Viktoria. But it wasn't. It was Yeva. The old woman stood there, a shawl draped over her narrow shoulders, and her sharp, cunning eyes looking down at me disapprovingly. I sighed. â€Å"What happened? Did a house fall on your sister?† I asked. Maybe there was a benefit to our language barrier. She pursed her lips. â€Å"You can't stay here any longer,† she said. My mouth dropped open. â€Å"You†¦ you speak English?† She snorted. â€Å"Of course.† I shot up. â€Å"All this time you've been pretending not to? You've been making Paul play translator?† â€Å"It's easier,† she said simply. â€Å"You avoid a lot of annoying conversation when you don't speak the language. And I've found that Americans make the most annoying conversation of all.† I was still aghast. â€Å"You don't even know me! But from the first day, you've been giving me hell. Why? Why do you hate me?† â€Å"I don't hate you. But I am disappointed.† â€Å"Disappointed? How?† â€Å"I dreamed you would come.† â€Å"I heard that. You dream a lot?† â€Å"Sometimes,† she said. The moonlight glinted in her eyes, enhancing her otherworldly appearance. A chill ran down my spine. â€Å"Sometimes my dreams are true. Sometimes not. I dreamed Dimka was dead, but I didn't want to believe it, not until I had proof. You were my proof.† â€Å"And that's why you were disappointed?† Yeva drew the shawl more tightly around her. â€Å"No. In my dreams, you shone. You burned like a star, and I saw you as a warrior, someone who could do great deeds. Instead? You've sat around and moped. You've done nothing. You haven't done what you came to do.† I studied her, wondering if she really knew what she was talking about. â€Å"And what is that exactly?† â€Å"You know what it is. I dreamed that, too.† I waited for more. When it didn't come, I laughed. â€Å"Nice vague answer. You're as bad as any scam fortune-teller.† Even in the darkness, I could see the anger kindle in her eyes. â€Å"You've come to search for Dimka. To try to kill him. You must find him.† â€Å"What do you mean ? ®try'?† I didn't want to believe her, didn't want to believe she might actually know my future. Nonetheless, I found myself getting hooked in. â€Å"Have you seen what happens? Do I kill him?† â€Å"I can't see everything.† â€Å"Oh. Fantastic.† â€Å"I only saw that you must find him.† â€Å"But that's all you've got? I already knew that!† â€Å"It's what I saw.† I groaned. â€Å"Damn it, I don't have time for these cryptic clues. If you can't help me, then don't say anything.† She stayed quiet. I slung my bag over my shoulder. â€Å"Fine. I'm leaving then.† And like that, I knew where I would go. â€Å"Tell the others†¦ well, tell them thank you for everything. And that I'm sorry.† â€Å"You're doing the right thing,† she said. â€Å"This isn't where you should be.† â€Å"So I've heard,† I muttered, walking away. I wondered if she'd say anything else: chastise me, curse me, give me more mysterious words of â€Å"wisdom.† But she stayed silent, and I didn't look back. I had no home, not here and not in America. The only thing left for me was to do what I'd come to do. I had told Abe I kept my promises. I would. I'd leave Baia like I told him. And I'd kill Dimitri, as I'd promised myself I would. I knew where to go now. The address had never left my mind: 83 Kasakova. I didn't know where it was, but once I reached the town's center, I found a guy walking down the street who gave me directions. The address was close by, only about a mile, and I headed out at a brisk pace. When I reached the house, I was glad to see that the lights were still on. Even as pissed off and raging as I was, I didn't want to wake anyone up. I also didn't want to speak to Nikolai and was relieved when Denis opened the door. His expression was all astonishment when he saw me. Despite his bold words back at the church earlier, I don't think he'd really believed I'd join him and the other unpromised ones. He was speechless, so I did the talking. â€Å"I changed my mind. I'm coming with you.† I took a deep breath, bracing myself for what came next. I'd promised Abe I'd leave Baia-but I hadn't promised to return to the U.S. â€Å"Take me to Novosibirsk.†