Assignment Unicorn (25 page)

“Not too badly.”

“I tried to be careful.”

“I know.”

“Sam?”

“I’m still awake.”

“Are you still angry with me?”

“No. Why should I be?”

“Because I didn’t hide on the boat and stay safe and sound
while it all happened.”

“You surprised me,” he said.

“Did you think I was such a coward, such a—a ninny?—to hide
in some cubbyhole while you did all the work?”

“No, not a coward.”

“I’ve changed.”

“Yes, I know.”

“I gave up that stupid, silly romantic dream I always had.”

“Stupid? Silly?"

“I decided to stand on my own two feet. Women’s lib, maybe.
I’m a person in my own right. No waiting around for a knight in shining armor
to rescue me from my own faults and keep me safe and happy forever after. Stupid,
yes. Silly. I don’t want to just be taken care of now. Like a devoted slave. Or
a faithful dog. That used to be my dream. It ended, all of a sudden. Just like that.
Does that bother you, Sam?”

“I’m glad,” he said.

“But I still love you, Sam.”

“I’m glad for that, too.”

“So I’m going away,” Maggie said.

“Where?”

“I don’t know. I don’t care. Anywhere. Just to be myself. To
fight my own battles.”

“I see."

“And then I’ll come back.”

“Good.”

“We’ll be equal then, right?”

“Maggie, are you sure you—”

“I’m sure, Sam.”

He kissed her.

“Good night, Maggie.”

“Good night, Sam.”