The Little Door

Geo woke again to the constant gray light of the planet.  He was still sitting up, and little Pigmet was lying on his lap, sound asleep.  There was a slight moan from his little friend.  Geo looked down at him, and Pigmet had yellow crusts on his eyes, his snout was dry, and he felt warm.  A pain pierced Geo’s heart.  He called quietly to Shiara, who was in her plant-form nearby.  She came over and knelt by Pigmet.  “Oh dear!” she said, “I have been trying to think what to do if this should happen.  Couch, do you have any ideas?”

“Well, I can do my best, but Geo, you are the one with physical healing powers.  You have done some incredible things in the past.”

“Yes, I know,” he said. His gaze was fixed far away, “but I did have my healing equipment with me then, and well, I am not sure this is the same thing at all.  But I will try, of course.”  He pulled Pigmet up into his arms and embraced him gently, their faces close together.  “You have to help me with this, ‘Met” he whispered, “I love you, and we have to make you well.”

Pigmet stirred a bit, he half opened his eyes. “Roshi?  Larry? Thirsty…”  Shiara went over and got Geo’s canteen.  He opened it and used the lid as a little cup.  He trickled some of the water into Pigmet’s mouth.  Pigmet smiled.  “Sweet,” he said.

Geo kept Pigmet in his embrace.  Pigmet’s temperature seemed to cool a bit.  Geo, Shiara and Black Couch were all thinking of the Deepest Medicine that they knew.  But they were not the only ones.  There was a stirring by the little doorway where Pigmet had entered.  “Geo.” Said Pigmet softly.

“That’s right, Pigmet, this is Geo.  I’m right here.”

“an I’m right *here*!” said Pigmet.

“Very good!” said Geo, heartened by Pigmet’s improvement.  But he was still looking over at the Little Door. 

There was a scuffling again, and then hand came through the door.

***

11:25:25 AM