The experience had bothered him more than he'd like to admit. Aliens had often messed with his body. But it's those times when they'd messed with his mind that shook him up the most.

"Feeling any better?" she asked as she poured him a drink of water to wash down his pills.

He didn't miss the strange look she gave the glass as she handed it over to him.

"I'm okay...just tired," he answered honestly.

Talk about a weird day.

"I should let you get some rest then," she said, turning to go.

His mind panicked at that thought, though he didn't quite understand why. All he knew was that he needed her to stay.

"Don't go," he said, surprised by the quake he heard in his voice.

He needed her to stay. Needed her grounding force. Her assuring eyes, her soothing voice. Her. He needed her.

She didn't ask why. She simply nodded, scooted a chair next to his bed, and gave his arm a reassuring squeeze as she sat down.

"Thank you, Janet."

"I don't mind staying..."

"No, I mean for what you did. You saved me."

She shook her head. "It wasn't me."

"Yes, it was."

End