"Here I am, boy," Kelly said softly. "What's the matter?" Kelly put his arm across Larry's chest and pushed him slowly through the water.

"I thought you might follow me," Larry gasped. "I was afraid you couldn't swim that far."

"Crazy," Kelly said. The sudden softness in his voice warmed Larry. "That's the reason I followed you." He shifted his grip on Larry, almost pushing him under the water. "Whoa," he said. "Just take it easy," then, "Nothin's going to happen to you while I'm here."

The swim back to the raft seemed short and easy. They climbed onto the wet boards and lay there resting. Larry was content just to lie there with Kelly. He was no longer angry; instead, a strange happiness possessed him. He heard Kelly say, "You know you scared hell out of me out there," Turning, Larry said, "I'm sorry, Kelly. I guess I made a fool of myself again."

"Don't worry about it," Kelly said. He sat up, looking toward the bank. "I wish I had a cigarette."

"No sooner said than done." Larry said. He rolled over and fell into the water. Kelly watched him swim lazily toward the beach. "Show-off," he said, grinning. He saw Larry wade onto the sand and run to the car. The light flashed on when Larry opened the car door and Kelly could see him fumbling with a towel. After a moment he walked back into the water and swam toward the raft, holding the towel over his head. A moment later he handed the towel and cigarettes to Kelly who helped him climb aboard.

"Must be getting old!" Larry said, flopping down on his stomach.

Kelly rubbed Larry's back with the towel. "I didn't intend for you to go after the cigarettes, Stupe."

Larry sighed, rolling over on his back. "I could lie here all night." He reached for the cigarette Kelly had lighted. "Thanks." he said. He pulled the smoke into his lungs, blowing it out lazily. "Millions and millions of stars and just one lonely moon," he said. "Way out there is it cold or not on the stars, Kelly?"

"I don't know," Kelly answered. He looked up at the stars. "Probably both. I do know the moon is supposed to be cold on one side and hot on the other." "That's me," Larry said. "Cold and hot, at the same time."

"You're not getting chilled, are you?" Kelly asked.

Laughing, Larry said, "No, not chilled. Thrilled, I think."

They smoked in silence. Each was aware of the other's nearness; each hesitated to interrupt the tranquility of the moment. At last Kelly said, "Thanks, Larry."

"For what?"

"For getting the cigarettes."

"Hell, no need to thank me for that."

"And for bringing me out here."

Larry looked up at Kelly. Their eyes met. A crazy mixture of emotions swept Larry. He wanted to laugh, but was afraid he would cry. At last he said, "Hi, Kelly."

"Hi, Larry," Kelly answered.

"What are you thinking about?”

"You," Kelly said simply.

Larry closed his eyes. "Show me," he whispered.

Kelly's cigarette glowed brightly as it arched through the air to fall unheard into the water.

11