'Kalus!' And in a moment he was beside her. 'Kalus,' she
pleaded. 'Is it all right? Are we safe here?' He looked hard at
the doctor.
'Yes, my Sylviana. I think that we are.'
She studied the man once more. 'Is it true? Are you really with
NASA? This isn't a dream?'
'Yes, I'm with NASA. Second manned expedition to Mars---we never
made it. But there's time for all that later. Right now we're
going to get some fluids into you, and give you something for the fever.
Then I'd prescribe bed rest, and a further examination. Young man,
will you help me---'
But before he could finish the girl had turned her face into his
stomach, and was crying like a child. He stroked her hair easily and
naturally, speaking words of comfort and assurance. As the man-child
looked on and felt lost.
At length she grew quieter. Kalus lifted her in his willing arms, and
despite all objections, carried her himself to a bed in the cool
darkness of one of the huts.
Chapter 39
All that afternoon Sylviana remained in the hut, sleeping, drinking
fruit juice, and luxuriating in the incredible comfort of a real bed.
Twice the doctor came in to check on her, and each time she made him sit
down on the edge of the bed and talk to her, about what it didn't
matter, just to hear his soothing voice that spoke of a world she knew
and trusted, and to feel she was no longer alone: that it was all right
to be a needing child.
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