Three Converts

Part 56

"Wow. That's... you were back on the commune and I didn't even know?"

"Well, we were in a giant secret hole, but yeah."

She stared at her robe, fiddling with the tie. She'd roll it up, then unroll. "He said it was a badger."

"Sorry?"

"Franklin. He told me he was attacked by a badger." Her face yellowed. "I think..." I knew that look. I moved a wastebasket in front of her just in time. She didn't have much to throw up, but she continued heaving anyway. Misty looked worried. I was grateful to have her here. She moved from the chair onto the floor with us and rubbed Sophie's back. When Sophie seemed done, I took the garbage away and got her some water.

"I'm sorry. That's embarrassing."

"It's not the first time I've seen you sick," I reminded her. "Remember that bug you picked up after your first convert? You threw up for three days."

The corner of her mouth perked up. "That was awful. Then I gave it to you. Sorry about that."

"What do you need, Sophie?" Misty asked. "Water? Clothes? A shower? How can we help you?"

Sophie looked at her as though these were foreign words. "Clothes?" she repeated. "A shower? Yes. I think both of those would be good." So we picked her up off the floor (had she always been so light?) and led her to the bathroom. Misty put her water on the counter, I showed her how the spigot worked. Misty found our smallest clothes and set them out for her along with our cushiest towel. I put my hand on my heart to thank her. We left Sophie to her shower and whispered in the hallway.

"Thank you. You are so good at this."

"She's your little sister! I love her. She's not exactly the little Sophie I remember, but she's still there. What do you think happened?"

"I don't know. I wonder where my parents are. If they're okay?"

She shrugged. "Let's let her sleep. Sleep fixesalmost everything. I bet she'll be more willing to talk in the morning."