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daughter? I love her, Goddamnit! He sounded angry and anguished at the same
time.
Her father seemed to have no threat dire enough for the situation. There was a
consultation of angry whispers, her father cursing and Gloria cajoling, then the
sound of footsteps and a door slamming.
* * * *
On the other side of Laura's door, it began to grow dark once more.
Well, how is she? Any change? An older voice this time and a crackle of static.
Over the phone somehow?
No, Nana. No change. His voice again, sounding weary this time and sorrowful.
How's Kyra?
Oh, she'd makin' out okay, considerin'. It's been awful hard on her, losin' the baby
but truth to tell, she wasn't ready to be no Mama and I'm too old to be startin' all
over again. It did break my heart, though, losin' my grandbaby like that.
I know, Nana Gertie, I'm sorry. I shoulda found her sooner.
A noise of disapproval, someone clicking their tongue. Now, Vincent, I don't
wanna hear that mess and you know it. Why, you're a hero, and if you ever get
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your butt back to Tampa they're gonna throw a parade in your honor. Lands sakes,
I don't know anybody else coulda did what you done.
A rustling sound, a big body shifting in a seat. Wasn't all me, Nana. Laura nearly
died up there. Guess she's payin' the price for all of us.
Aw, baby, I know you're hurtin'. And I know what all them doctors have been
tellin' you too.
They say it's hopeless. That the brain scans prove she isn't ... she can't.... His
voice broke down, crumbled under the weight of tears barely held in check. Laura
pressed against the door, wishing desperately that it might open. She wiggled the
knob but the lock remained firm.
Don't you give up hope, Vincent. The older voice was strong now, fierce. If
you feel in your heart she's in there somewhere you just don't give up. You hear?
I hear you, Nana but it's been so long. What if they're right?
Give it a little more time, baby. Kyra and I miss you but we're doin' fine on our
own. The school says she can wait and start next semester, the circumstances bein'
what they are an' all.
A rough, broken laugh. Yeah, if bein' abducted by aliens isn't a good enough
excuse to cut class then I sure as hell don't know what is.
Vincent, watch your mouth. Said sharply but with affection.
A sigh. Yes, ma'am.
You know I love you, right?
Yes, Nana. Love you too.
All right then. I'll call you later.
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Bye, Nana.
Bye, baby. A clicking beep, someone switching off a vid-phone.
Laura huddled next to the door, trying to remember as the darkness came again.
He was someone she should know, someone who cared about her. Who was he
and why wouldn't the damn door open?
* * * *
Several periods of light and dark passed. Sometimes she heard his voice, once
raised in anger, sometimes cold, often weary. Each time she went to the door,
thinking this time the knob would turn and it would open. But it was always,
always locked.
Laura ... Laura, baby, please come back to me. It was during a period of
darkness, when the shadows had eaten the hall, that his voice came again.
Laura got up and walked to the solid wooden door. She leaned against it, trying to
remember.
They say you can't hear me but I don't believe it, he continued. So listen to me
now and come back. I used up all my sick leave and even the compassionate leave
they granted me. I have to get on a plane and go home tomorrow or I'll lose my
job. The sound of a deep breath being drawn.
I wanna stay with you, baby, but I have to help out my family. I got other people
dependin' on me. Another sigh.
His voice was so familiar ... she almost knew him. Almost remembered. Laura put
her hand on the knob, twisting firmly but it wouldn't give.
They say you can't be moved and I know once I go, your family's gonna find a
way to keep me from comin' back to see you again. Laura, please. His voice was
rougher now, desperate.
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He ... him ... he said my name. He knows my name and I know his. Vince ... his
name is Vince. Laura twisted the knob and pounded on the door. So close, why
couldn't she get through? Why couldn't she remember who he was?
All the things we been through together. Sometimes it seems like a crazy dream.
Goin' up in that ship, the Queen, all those damn eggs ... I know it isn't right but
sometimes I wish we woulda just let 'em do whatever it was they wanted to do. Eat
the whole damn world, I guess. Least that way maybe you and me woulda had a
little more time together. His voice was heavy with tears.
Laura rattled the door in its frame, pounding, pushing, pulling. I'm here! she
wanted to shout. In here, locked behind this damn door. I can hear you and I
almost know who you are....
There was a low, broken sound. Sobbing? Laura stopped twisting the knob for a
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