human
If you don't mind, she said,
gpt
I'd like to bring up Linda in my own way. The courts made me legal guardian of Linda until she's twenty-one, and I intend to protect her until then to the best of my ability.
human
By that time, you'll have her so confused about the world she'll be defenseless against it. I never said anything before, Abby--
gpt
And now is a poor time to start! Abby's voice was like ice.
human
I'm sorry, Dr. Gower, but if you persist in talking this way, I'll have to ask you to leave. Linda is in my charge, and I won't stand for interference, even from you.
gpt
Do you know why you were chosen guardian, Abby,
human
Of course. I was the nearest relative. Why bring that up?
gpt
Nothing, he said, after awhile.
human
Nothing at all. I came around to say goodbye, Abby.
gpt
Goodbye?
human
I'm leaving for Venus, he said,
gpt
I--I'll be sorry to see you leave, Tom.
human
I came to ask you to go with me. You know how I feel about you, Abby; I thought I'd try just once more.
gpt
I couldn't leave Linda,
human
The standard excuse, he reminded her, his voice more weary than bitter.
gpt
What Linda has needed all these years was a father, Abby. You're giving her a warped viewpoint.
human
The Somaticists don't think so,
gpt
Somatics aren't the answer. Our era has become so mechanical that people have come to think that pressing a button is going to cure the evils of the world. Pills and pushbuttons are fine in their place, Abby, but they're not the answer, not the complete one anyway. At one time, they thought psychiatry was the answer; they were wrong there, too. The answer's probably a combination of the two.
human
I'm not looking for the answer to anything, Abby said wearily.
gpt
I just want to be let alone.
human
Have a nice trip, Abby said, trying to sound cheerful,
gpt
I'm sorry we had to argue like this.