He shook his head. "I don't know what to say to you lately."
She reached up and laced him with her arms. "Am I so unreasonable? Oh, Laurie, I don't want to die."
He seated himself helplessly on the arm of her chair. "Why think about something so improbable as dying?"
"But I might. I want you to care," she whispered.
"Don't you think I care?" His voice had a grating note as he tried to be light.
"Of course—yes—I guess so. But it's so awful to think about."
"Then don't think of it."
"I can't help it."
Death. The word had not been alive to her until this moment. Suddenly she heard it about her, whispering like wings. She floated beyond Laurence, beyond the room.
With a quick intake of breath she shut out terror grown too delicious.