The Lovers   ::   Фармер Филип Хосе

What's the difference whether genes act by cellular or photonic means?

'Nor will you be without women. You forget that she has aunts and sisters. All young and beautiful. I'm sure that we can locate them.'

Hal buried his face in his hands, and he said, 'Thanks, Fobo, but that's not for me.'

'Not now,' Fobo said softly. 'But your grief will soften; you will think life worth living again.'

Someone came into the room. Hal looked up to see a nurse.

'Doctor Fobo, we are bringing the body out. Does the man care for one last look?'

Hal shook his head. Fobo walked over to him and put his hand on his shoulder.

'You look faint,' he said. 'Nurse, do you have some smelling salts?'

Hal said, 'No, I won't need them.'

Two nurses wheeled a carrier out. A white sheet was draped over the shell. Black hair cascaded from beneath the sheet and fell over the pillow.

Hal did not rise. He sat in the chair, and he moaned, 'Jeannette! Jeannette! If you had only loved me enough to tell me....'

THE END