Doc’s eyes bulged.

I smeared Seal across the X, watching with deep satisfaction as the edges fused together and faded to pink.

“Can I see?” Jamie asked.

“Let him up, Ian. We’re almost done.”

Jamie pulled himself up on his elbows, his eyes bright and curious. His sweaty, dirty hair was matted to his head. It didn’t make sense now, next to the healthy glow of his skin.

“See, I put this on,” I said, brushing a handful of glitter across the cuts, “and it makes the scar very faint. Like this.” I showed him the one on my arm.

Jamie laughed. “But don’t scars impress girls? Where did you get this stuff, Wanda? It’s like magic.”

“Jared took me on a raid.”

“Seriously? That’s awesome.”

Doc touched the glistening powder residue on my hand, then held his fingers to his nose.

“You should have seen her,” Jared said. “She was incredible.”

I was surprised to hear his voice close behind me. I looked around for Sharon automatically and just caught sight of the flame of her hair leaving the room. Maggie was right behind her.

How sad. How frightening. To be filled with so much hate that you could not even rejoice in the healing of a child.… How did anyone ever come to that point?

“She walked right into a hospital, right up to the alien there, and asked them to treat her injuries, bold as anything. Then, when they turned their backs, she robbed them blind!” Jared made it sound exciting. Jamie was enjoying it, too; his smile was huge. “Walked right out of there with medicine enough to last us all for a long time. She even waved at the bugger behind the counter as she drove away.” Jared laughed.

I couldn’t do this for them, Melanie said, suddenly chagrined. You’re of more value to them than I would be.

Hush, I said. It was not a time for sadness or jealousy. Only joy. I wouldn’t be here to help them without you. You saved him, too.

Jamie was staring at me with big eyes.

“It wasn’t that exciting, really,” I told him. He took my hand, and I squeezed his, my heart swollen with gratitude and love. “It was very easy. I’m a bugger, too, after all.”

“I didn’t mean —” Jared started to apologize.

I waved his protest away, smiling.

“How did you explain the scar on your face?” Doc asked. “Didn’t they wonder why you hadn’t —”

“I had to have fresh injuries, of course. I was careful to leave them nothing to be suspicious about. I told them I’d fallen with a knife in my hand.” I nudged Jamie with my elbow. “It could happen to anyone.”