"Sorry," Regina said, because we were all looking at her and because her child was pink and beautiful and healthy while Hi-nin....
"Regina," I said, "what did you do after it happened?"
"Do! It scared the hell out of me—that creature shaking all over and Gail screaming. At first I didn't know what had happened. Then I saw that thing flopping around on the front seat and I screamed and threw it out of the window. And then I noticed Hi-nin's wrist, or whatever you call it. I said, 'Oh, God, I knew you'd get us in trouble!' But the creature didn't say anything. He just sat there. And I let the other children off and brought Hi-nin to you because I didn't want to get involved with that Mrs. Baden."
"And Gail?"
"She seemed all right. She just climbed in the back with the other children and pretty soon they were all laughing."
"And all that time little Hi-nin.... Regina, didn't you even pat him or hold him or kiss it for him or anything?"
"Kiss it!"
At that moment Mrs. His-tara came in, with Mrs. Baden and a doctor behind her. I should have known. Mrs. Baden didn't leave people to fight battles alone.
Mrs. His-tara looked at Mrs. Baden, but Mrs. Baden only nodded and smiled encouragingly at her.