The little group broke up, then. One by one they murmured words of congratulation and approval to their leader and his bride-to-be and drifted away. Finally Crystal went back into the cave, and Greg was left alone with 'Tina, who alone of all the group, had so far said nothing. He went to her.
"You haven't told me you're happy, 'Tina."
She turned slowly.
"Shall I say so, Greg?"
"I want you to. Why do you act so strangely toward me, 'Tina? Do you dislike me? You used to—"
"I'm happy," she cried suddenly. "Now I've said it. You want me to. Are you satisfied? Why don't you let me alone, Greg? Must I like or dislike you? You have one woman? Must you—" She broke from his side, raced forward to the edge of the hill, stared blindly down into the plain. Greg moved after her, worried. "What is it, 'Tina? You're not happy! Are you lonely? Why don't you get married, too? Sparks ... or Breadon...."
He stopped, his gaze over her shoulder settling on something in the valley beneath. A thing incredible to behold, but that was ... yes, was....
"'Tina!" he gasped.
At the tone of his voice she spun swiftly, anxiously. "What is it, Greg?"
"Look! Down there! A—a human!"