I have had many encounters with handmaids, each one no different then the last. However, there was one handmade that, to this day sticks out in my mind more than all the others. When I saw her walking down the street with her shopping partner, she seemed just like any other handmaid. As I walked closer, I could tell that she wasn't. There was something myserious about her that made me want to talk to her. So, I decided that I would speak with her. Last time I tried to talk to one, she walked on as if I had not said anything; that was the reaction I was expecting, but i was wrong. I said hello and she stopped eventhough her shopping parter continued walking. She greeted me as well and we began to talk. She told me that her name was Maryanne. I gave her my name and since then, we have lost communication with eachother. This was the first time that I had ever spoken with a handmaid. I was amazed and confused. It changed the way that I thought about handmaids. I realized they were capable of normal conversation and that they do in fact enjoy it. I thought that they could only be used for sex because that is all I ever used them for.

I am 46 years old, and i have been married to my infertile wife for 7 years. I am 5'10 and am starting to get gray hair. I enjoy reading a good book by the open fire. I have been haunted by a horrible recurring nightmare for some time now. It starts when I am on my way to conceive with my handmaid and I am crossing the bridge to get to her room. I am suddenly confronted by my wife. She begins to argue with me and pushes me. While I try to reason with her, she continues to push me and I fall over the edge of the bridge and I plummet to my death. Just before I hit the ground, however, I awake.