Page 64 of Under

Chapter 48

The gate was openedand Dr Mags dropped to the ground beside Luna. She placed her fingers on Luna’s wrist and counted. Then she asked the gathered Waterfolk to load Luna onto a blanket and carry her over to the far end of the pen where it was dry.

Luna begged, “I can walk, let me walk.” But Dr Mags continued counting, commanding, and hovering like Luna’s stomach bug was a full blown emergency.

Once Luna landed in a spot under a tree with a large crowd gathered around, Dr Mags checked her eyes. “How long have you been feeling like this?”

“It started yesterday. It comes on like a wave.”

Dr Mags asked, “What did you eat this morning and when?”

“A protein pouch and an apple. Water. About two hours ago.”

“Hungry?”

“Not really. . .”

“What would taste good to you right now?”

“Chocolate, something sweet.”

Dr Mags furrowed her brow. “Okay, stupid question, I’m not sure if Nomads even get government-mandated birth control, but if you do, have you been taking it?”

Luna said, “We don’t. . .”

“When was your last period?”

Luna’s face twisted up, “Um. I — uh. Oh.”