Martin's gasping breath, already human, calmed the atmosphere. Carl was lying on the floor, recovering from all the effort he had put in, and I was not much better off than he was. I approached Martin to see if he was awake and to continue to support him in whatever way I could.
When I touched his arm, he immediately retracted it in fear. "Easy, Martin, it's over now," I said, stroking his hand lightly. "It's okay now, you're you," I said sympathetically.
"Lacey?" he called to me slowly as he opened his eyes, trying to regain his vision. "Oh, Lacey," he said, clinging to me, recognizing me. I was shocked by that sudden gesture.
Carl got up from the floor and rested. "I'll get him some clothes and blankets to keep him warm," he said, leaving the room. It was apparent that Martin's gestur
