She did not keep me waiting.
I returned to my compartment. The pseudo-Lois entered soon after and
stretched out indolently on my cot. "You wanted to see me, Bill?"
Incongruously I found myself staring at her low-heeled shoes, the ones
she always wore when we danced at the Prom. I restrained the impulse
to take her in my arms. "I saw the crown you made for Kohnke," I said
carefully, making a special effort to keep my inner thoughts hidden.
"It's beautiful."
"Thank you."
Those simple words meant much to me. I had succeeded in getting her to
admit that she had made the crown.
Which meant we still had a chance!
"Then you'll be able to make the fuel we need," I said casually.
Her expression became wary, shifting instantly to petulance. She
reached over and put one hand on my arm. "Why do you want to leave me,
Bill?"
* * * * *