"Of course I don't want you to go!" Carl assured her. "But I feel guilty for tying you to me. It was supposed to be two years, Laura, not a lifetime."

Later Laura thought about his words. In spite of the danger, Carl had decided to have the operation. She knew with certainty that if he could walk again he would want Rosemary. If the operation failed, then he would return to his old standby -- the ever-faithful Laura.

Anger rose in her and immediately died. I'll never leave him, she whispered to herself.