Watching Over Him

At first, she did not know what to do when her husband brought the wounded offworlder to her. He was deeply unconscious and would have died without medical care, so she accepted the duty. For several days he remained totally helpless, dependant on her for even the smallest of things.

Not knowing what else to do, she spent much time talking to him as she tended his injuries. She told him of the war, of her husband, of her failing marriage. She wished she knew what his eyes looked like, how he could look at her and tell her everything was going to be all right. Perhaps she could even learn to love him, if he would let her. He seemed attractive enough...

She sighed, and tucked the blankets tighter around the motionless body. Such foolish daydreams were inappropriate, especially under these circumstances. There was no guarantee that the offworlder would even look upon her favorably.

Later that day, he regained consciousness and she was able to see his eyes at last � stormy blue, haunted by shadows she couldn't even begin to guess at, full of gratitude at the care she had given, and yet...what she hoped for, what she needed, was not there.

Yet her heart refused to break. Maybe he just needed time. And she would wait, as long as was necessary.