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Show 91. Stephanie's face became serious. "He's under an awful strain, Garth . . . Mom says he's losing weight." "Would he come in to the counselling center and talk with me? Not that I have any magic words . . ." "I don't know. He says it's on his mind . . . all the time," she couldn't keep her mouth from trembling. "Oh, dear--" Kay put her arm around Stephanie, making her feel more than ever like crying. Garth looked down, concentrating on pulling off his gloves. "At least he's getting a science paper out of it. Would you believe 'Life Possibilities on Other Planets,1 Kay?" "Now, that sounds hopeful to me!" Mrs. Eagleton said brightly, releasing Stephanie with a squeeze. "He'll be all right. You'll see!" Stephanie wiped her eyes. She wished she could be as sure. "Of course he will," Garth laughed. "It's the librarian he's driving crazy!" He turned abruptly to Kay. "Say, why don't I take you to dinner . . . long as I'm here." Mrs. Eagleton made a wry face. "You might just as well! Long as you're here. Do you think you could mind the store for an hour, Stephanie?" "Oh, sure," she forced a smile, hurrying to arrange the last of the Snoopy cards. "Well, let me get my things, then," Kay turned and walked toward the storage room at the back, "I'll just be a minute." Garth cleared his throat. "You going to the Christmas dance next week?" he asked, to make conversation Stephanie decided. "I don't think so." "The right guy hasn't asked you yet?" "I guess." "I can remember how much courage it took to ask a girl to a dance. Gol, I'd be sick for a week just building up to it." Stephanie laughed. "How's your dad? Is he feeling any better?" "Well, off and on, you know." "I sure hate to see him miss the winter fishing. We were going to try for the Cisco run over in Utah this year, but I guess that's out." |