63
Hugh dressed and prepared for his return to Phoenix with Dale the next day.
He combed his hair, surprised to see how much it had grown since he’d been away. It grew so slowly here on Earth.
What was it about Ellandria that made him feel so much more alive? Was it the Goddess herself, or something more about the planet?
He felt reborn, like something new. If only he could share that with the one he loved.
He looked into the mirror at his reflection, longing to see Kat behind him, sprawled out and snoozing in their bed. Instead, there were five cats parked there in all colors, shapes, and sizes.
He welcomed their company under the circumstances, but found he missed Cleo and her big, bushy tail. But mostly, he missed Kat.
Hugh took a deep breath and let it out. “I will not let one f
