I cast my gaze over the dock as I stepped from the gangway. My stay in Africa had been enlightening, to say the least. Emotions flooded me even now, and I needed time. Time to think about the past few months, to recover from the devastation and death...

"Sarah!"

Adelaide's nasal voice broke me from my reverie. I smiled as she, in typical passionate form, hugged me. "Hello, Adelaide. It's good to be back."

"It's good to have you back! Sky's been just pathetic, walking around and moaning about how much he misses you. Nathan even said he missed seeing you around, you know. Oh, and Arvide has been simply desolate without you. And the missionaries haven't stopped jabbering that "Sergeant Sarah Masterson's coming back" for weeks! My God, Sarah, don't ever go off to Africa again!"

I chuckled a little and hugged her back. "I can't promise you that, Adelaide, but I'll stay here in New York for at least a while longer." I finally noticed her husband, Nathan, standing behind her and I greeted him with a wave.

"Nice to see you again, Miss Sarah," he said, smiling. "I hope I will be seeing you hunting for sinners again, as soon as you recover from your trip."

"As soon as I can get a decent night's sleep... which won't be too long, I hope." I staggered a little against Adelaide, suddenly remembering how tired I was. I hadn't gotten much sleep on the ship, having been afflicted with an awful case of seasickness, and here it was, almost noon, and I was exhausted. Never mind the time. As soon as I got home I was going to sleep for at least eight hours.

"Ahem. I'd really like to hug my wife, too, if you don't mind..."

Breaking away from my embrace with Adelaide, I leaned against my husband, and he protectively wrapped his arms around my shoulders. "Mmm... hello, Sky." I yawned widely and sighed. "I'm so tired..."

"We'll get you to bed fast." Sky guided me off toward the street as I sleepily waved goodbye to Adelaide and Nathan. I fell asleep in the cab and don't remember a thing after that.