It came in a rush once more. You’re in love with him, too, separately from me. It feels different from the way I feel. Other. I didn’t see that until he was there with us, until you saw him for the first time. How did that happen? How does a three-inch-long worm fall in love with a human being?

Worm?

Sorry. I guess you sort of have… limbs.

Not really. They’re more like antennae. And I’m quite a bit longer than three inches when they’re extended.

My point is, he’s not your species.

My body is human, I told her. While I’m attached to it, I’m human, too. And the way you see Jared in your memories… Well, it’s all your fault.

She considered that for a moment. She didn’t like it much.

So if you had gone to Tucson and gotten a new body, you wouldn’t love him anymore now?

I really, really hope that’s true.

Neither of us was happy with my answer. I leaned my head against the top of my knees. Melanie changed the subject.

At least Jamie is safe. I knew Jared would take care of him. If I had to leave him, I couldn’t have left him in better hands.… I wish I could see him.

I’m not asking that! I cringed at the thought of the response that request would receive.

At the same time, I yearned to see the boy’s face for myself. I wanted to be sure that he was really here, really safe—that they were feeding him and caring for him the way Melanie never could again. The way I, mother to no one, wanted to care for him. Did he have someone to sing to him at night? To tell him stories? Would this new, angry Jared think of little things like that? Did he have someone to curl up against when he was frightened?

Do you think they will tell him that I’m here? Melanie asked.

Would that help or hurt him? I asked back.

Her thought was a whisper. I don’t know.… I wish I could tell him that I kept my promise.

You certainly did. I shook my head, amazed. No one can say that you didn’t come back, just like always.

Thanks for that. Her voice was faint. I couldn’t tell if she meant for my words now, or if she meant the bigger picture, bringing her here.