And she had no idea as yet how far that change went.

Getting up they found that except for themselves, the house was empty. Going outside, holding hands, they took a look around.

Where was everyone?

Looking up into Wel’adai, it seemed the tree city must be deserted, it was so quiet. Nothing stirred, anywhere, nor around the dwellings or on the ground either.

‘There you are!’ Both girls cried out in surprise. It was Ralph, who came out of the blacksmith shop, wiping soot from his brow with an old rag.

‘Doc was sorry he couldn’t wait for you to wake up. He and the others had to go.’

Then it wasn’t a dream! The girls leaned against each other, still feeling light-headed. Seeing this, Ralph said, ‘Come on inside. Doc said you’d both need a few days to get readjusted. I’ll try to explain what happened.’ Deborah followed with a sense of misgiving. Ralph seemed anything but relieved.

When they sat on the couch, holding each other for support, Ralph got a hassock and sat before them. With a relieved smile, he said, ‘Doc said it was a good thing that you two had each other. You helped each other fight the poison. But he told us to keep an eye on you, too. I’m not sure that I entirely understand, but he said that you might find yourselves getting back in touch with a vengeance, and that it might be a bit much for you to handle.’




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