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So why is it still "Lieutenant Markov" and "Miss Caine"?

More than that--if Paul is here, in my life, why am I with Theo?

Our ho new Butin this universe Not that they’re unfriendly to Paul or anything; everyone is ally polite as they work But the war, the affection that led them to bake his birthday cake and buy hin of that Maybe this is the difference between a university setting and the raduate program have to keep their distance when they’re your superior officers

While they’re crunching nu to do Word comes that the munitions factory where I as destroyed in the air raid, which is an enor bombs? That would’ve been a recipe for disaster The way Dad tells me this, it’s obvious he expects nment soon But "soon" is not "today," so my day is my own

Nor for background infores or other, more sophisticated sources in universes that have developed that far; in universes not quite so far along, I turn to books Mo around, because they’re curious about everything froami In this world, however, it see else No encyclopedias or histories are to be had My parents own only a handful of books, ht tell ure out what’s true and what’s fiction in each one? So instead of obtaining vital facts fora Jane Austen novel called The Brothers I don’t think we have that one in

Late in the afternoon, as they’re taking a break for a fairly depressing snack of canned peaches, my mother draws me aside "You’re not ill at ease, are you?"

"Um, no?"

"I realize hoard the situation is for everyone involved," Mom continues "Lieutenant Markov is essential to our work, and we have to work at home today, so there’s no way around it"

She see his disappointment well, really That’s all we can ask I just hope it doesn’t put you in a difficult position"

It sounds like Paul tried to get o out with hiht," I say to her "Paul’s a good guy I know he’ll always do the right thing in the end"

Mom stares at me like I just told her ostriches orbit Pluto Is it because I slipped up and called hiet how insightful you are"

I hug her, re weeks when I was trapped in dih the worlds gives you perspective It htfall, while the ad hoc scientific conference is still under way, the doorbell chiain Dad answers before I can "Why, Private Beck I don’t think I’ve seen you in ages"

"Good evening, sir Is Marguerite at hohts up like sunrise He’s playing his role in this universe a little too well

Still, the roles have to be played "Theo," I say as I go to him He pulls me into his arms, an embrace so fervent, so intimate, that I can’t deal with the fact thatthis In Theo’s ears, I whisper, "That’s enough"

"For now," he says in a low voice