ut a small neurogun and walked. He reached what seemed to be a
huge park that seemed to surround the city. It grew warmer and a soft
wind whispered through the strange wide-spreading trees and bushes and
exotic blossoms. The scent of blossoms drifted on the wind and the sound
of running water, of murmuring voices.

The park thickened as Bowren edged into its dark, languid depth. It
seemed as though the city radiated heat. He dodged suddenly behind a
tree, knelt down. For an instant he was embarrassed seeing the two
shadowy figures in each others arms on a bench in the moonlight. This
emotion gave way to shock, anger, fear.

One of them was a--man!

Bowren felt the perspiration start from his face. An intense jealousy
surrendered to a start of fearful curiosity. Where had the man come
from?

Bowren's long frustration, the memory of his wife, the humiliation, the
rejection, the abandonment, the impotent rage of loneliness--it all came
back to him.

He controlled his emotion somehow. At least he didn't manifest it
physically. He crept closer, listened.

"This was such a sweet idea," the woman was whispering. "Bringing me
here to the park tonight. That's why I love you so, Marvin. You're
always so romantic."

"How else could I think of you, darling," the man said. His voice was
cultured, precise, soft, thick with emotion.

"You're so sweet, Marvin."

"You're so beautiful, darling. I think of you every minute that you're
away on one of those space flights. You women are so wonderful to have
conquered space, but sometimes I hate the ships that take you away from
me."

The woman sighed. "But it's so nice to come back to you. So exciting, so
comfortable."

The kiss was long and deep. Bowren backed away, almost smashing into the
tree. He touched his forehead. He was sweating heavily. His beard
dripped moisture. There was a hollow panicky feeling in his stomach. Now
he was confused as well as afraid.

Another couple was sitting next to a fountain, and a bubbling brook ran
past them, singing into the darkness. Bowren crouched behind a bush and
listened. It might have been the man he had just left, still talking.
The voice was slightly different, but the dialogue sounded very much the
same.

"It must be wonderful to be a woman, dear, and voyage between the stars.
But as I say, I'm glad to stay here and tend the home and mind the
children, glad to be here, my arms open to you when you come back."

"It's so wonder