Something had happened to her, but he didn’t have a clue what that might be. She’d been sort of entranced by the symbols on the wall, then she had just flipped out. That wasn’t like her at all. The entire journey, she’d been a rock—affable, even-tempered, kind. She had worked hard to keep the peace under incredibly difficult circumstances—and succeeded.
She’d only once shown any sign that the stress was getting to her. It had been shortly after getting a data stream from Houston about a month before, filled with personal emails, meant to be a morale booster. Within minutes of the download completing she had been silently crying and trying to hide it. It had kept happening. Frequently. For days. No one else had seemed to notice. He’d seen Varma talk to her once, but it hadn’t helped. He’d started to get angry that everyone was ignoring her suffering, or couldn’t see it, which seemed worse.
One day she had herself tucked into a little nook that she haunted, an electronic reader in hand. He’d been just a foot away, eating a meal, when something splashed on his face. He had been sure it wasn’t food because he hadn’t opened anything wet yet. He had looked up and realized that it had been a tear that had escaped her efforts of concealment.
He had three younger sisters. He’d observed his parents performing miracles with hugs when they were all small. He’d even stooped to it, himself, when desperate. So, it had gone against his better judgment, but he just couldn’t watch her struggle anymore.
He hadn’t said anything. He hadn’t wanted to draw unwanted attention. He had just pulled up close and wrapped his arms around her.
She had stiffened at first, then had melted into him, tucking her face into his chest, heaving soundless sobs. He had waited until she pulled away, murmuring apologies, but he hadn’t replied or even met her eyes. He hadn’t wanted to embarrass her. He had just moved away. It seemed to be what she had needed, because she hadn’t cried again after that.
I was given this book for an honest review...
I don't usually read much science fiction but the blurb appealed to me and so...here we are...
I have to say that I enjoyed this book very much and can highly recommend it to anyone that is not usually into this genre, but is open to reading...please give it a shot. I don't like to give much away in my reviews and so I won't say much. I like adventure and I like interpersonal relationships. I believe that this book does have both on different levels.
It is good to try things out of your comfort level and this one is worth the shot. A great read! Go for it!
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