_Yeah, sweetheart. I'd like to wring your lovely neck, though._ "I'm sorry about the music, George. I didn't have the volume adjusted. I won't leave you alone again." There was a note in her voice that George hoped was more than just professional concern. _Karen! You don't have to do that! You'll be tying yourself down. And I don't want that._ "I don't mind, George. I just don't want anything to happen to you. You're something--someone special." _Maybe I don't want it that way. Although I will admit I enjoy your company--but this around the clock business isn't necessary._ "I want to do it. Okay?" _Okay. I guess I can't stop you. Only don't you ever get tired?_ "Sometimes." _Maybe you should let me worry about your welfare for a change. I think you need some sleep. Lie down a little while._ "Sure, boss. Is that an order?" _It's an order._ "I guess I am a little sleepy. Want some music?" George shuddered. _No! No more records for a long, long time! But leave your microphone on--I like to know that you're there._ While she slept, he carefully kept his thoughts to himself. She's sleeping the sleep of the exhausted. The little nut, she probably didn't go to bed at all while I was--out. She deserves all the rest she can get. He listened a long time to her quiet breathing. I wonder what she looks like? Is the rest of her as beautiful as her voice? I can't help it--I'm in love with her. I wish I was more than a brain in a bottle. I wish I could touch her--hold her hand. Silly thought. Like a kid on his first date. He pictured her in his mind--lovely, vibrant, beautiful. How, he thought savagely, could she ever fall in love with me? Simple--she couldn't. No woman could love a freak. And I wouldn't want it that way. She'd be throwing her happiness away. But damn it!--I can't help it if I want her. * * * * * _I'm neck deep--if I may be permitted to use such an expression--in world affairs. The good doctor read six newspapers to me while you were gone._ Karen laughed. "I thought he sounded a bit hoarse." _Well--out with it, woman! Did you enjoy your first day off in almost three weeks?_ Her voice was happier than he had heard it in days. "I went shopping, George, for the first time in months, and really splurged. Got a new outfit. You should see me." _I wish I could._ "You will soon enough." _What do you mean by that?_ "Your body's ready. You move in tomorrow." _Thank God! Tomorrow! It is--rather hard to believe, after all this time! I'm going to have a body._ He could almost feel a lump form in his throat, only of course he didn't have a throat--yet. _I don't know if I'm going to like having to put up with the pains of the flesh again._ She laughed. Then her voice turned wistful, or maybe it was just his imagination. "Not only the pains, George, but the pleasures, too."