Read One's Aspect to the Sun for Free Online

pattern, and although she wore earrings, they were also grey. I didn't remember her from the time we'd admitted Hirin there.
    “How can I help you?” I asked.
    She folded her hands on her desk. “My name is Evlyn Travis, I'm an administrator at Holbencare. We've had a rather abrupt and worrisome notice from Hirin Paixon, that he intends to leave our care,” she said. “I'm not sure that such a move should be permitted.”
    Permitted? Odd way to put it. “Yes, I've spoken with Hirin about this matter,” I told her. “It may not be convenient, but it's his decision.”
    She leaned forward a little and softened her face. I had the impression it was a very deliberate gesture. “His health is really not good, Ms. Paixon,” she said. “It is not in his best interests to leave here, but sometimes the older residents . . . well, they get these strange notions.”
    “I've spoken to him about his health, thank you, and I do understand the situation. But it is his decision to make—”
    She interrupted me smoothly, as if I hadn't been speaking. “Now, you may not be aware that it's possible to apply to the courts for a declaration of incompetency—”
    “Hirin is quite mentally competent, I assure you,” I snapped. “I'm sure you'll have no trouble finding someone to occupy his room, if that's your concern.”
    She managed to look misunderstood and sorrowful. “Our only concern is for the welfare of our residents,” she said. “Perhaps you haven't been fully informed concerning Mr. Paixon's health situation—”
    “As I understand it, he's dying, and there's nothing to be done to save him,” I said bluntly.
    Evlyn Travis blinked. “It's—very serious, yes. So you can see why—”
    “In which case,” I continued, “I don't see that it makes a hell of a lot of difference if he's here, there, or orbiting Mars. His residence fees will be paid until the end of the month. If there's paperwork to be done, please have it completed as soon as possible. I'll sign anything necessary to relieve you of responsibility.”
    “It's neither the money nor the liability we're concerned about,” she said stiffly. “We simply feel that the most beneficial health care option would be for Mr. Paixon to remain with us. His wish to leave does not seem . . . rational.”
    “Then thank you for your concern, Ms. Travis,” I said coldly. “It certainly seems rational to me. And I'll tell Mr. Paixon that everything is arranged.”
    I didn't wait for her to say anything else, and broke the connection. Yes, it was rude, but my heart was pounding and my chest felt swollen with repressed sorrow. And anger. To suggest that Hirin was not in his right mind! I pushed away from my desk and stood, pulling a deep breath and moving into the familiar rhythm of my tae-ga-chi workout to try and calm down. The fluid ease of the form, with its interlock of sweeping hand movements and choreographed steps, was my favourite way to regain focus and center my mind.  Block, bend, step, balance, reach . . . muscles loosened and relaxed into a meditative, physical mantra, leading my emotions to follow suit. I could complete this particular form inside a three-foot square, making it perfect for small shipboard spaces. After only a few moments, my body settled into the well-known cadence and I started to feel better.
    Another incoming call beeped and I moved to the screen, chest tightening again. This time it was Hirin himself. His grizzled face looked about as angry as I'd ever seen it, and he was breathing fast. “Luta? You won't believe the visit I got from the administration here this morning!”
    I leaned toward him. “It's okay, Hirin, calm down. I think I can guess, as a matter of fact. They're trying to talk you out of leaving?”
    He barked a short, humourless laugh. “As good as told me I wasn't allowed to leave, if you can believe that. I gave them a piece of my mind, I can tell you.”
    I smiled. I could just imagine how that had gone, and