into the hospital to see my old friend the doctor. He was the only one I could think of to go to. Unfortunately, it turned out that since I was no longer a student, I would have to be treated as a private patient — and the fee involved I came to my senses sitting in the park. It was

just dusk, and I sat there and cried and cried.

"Suddenly I felt a hand on my shoulder and a funny voice asked me what was wrong. I looked up to see this tall woman standing there. To cut a long story short it was, you've guessed it — Cynthia, out for a stroll all dolled up. How she read the situation I don't know. But she said something about being able to help in spite of my screaming that nobody could help me and wanting to go jump in the lake and end it all. She took me back to her apartment, took off her wig, and just smiled.

―

"There's a lot to be said for the shock approach. I got so interested in her that I forgot my own problems. But when she asked, I blurted out the whole thing. Whatever her shortcomings, Cynthia showed me more consideration than anyone ever had in my life before.

—

—

"She gave me clothes, took me to the beauty parlor and gave me the works free, and even got into some male clothing which was quite a sacrifice, I later found out, and took me all over town, always acting like a perfect gentleman, and making me feel like a queen — no pun. Ul- terior motives? Maybe, I don't know. She asked once, but I think it was a form question. Anyway, I answered truthfully, and said I just didn't know. I didn't know where or how or what I was, yet.

――

"After sponging off Cynthia for a few weeks, I started looking for a job. Cynthia helped me again put in a good word for me and I started work at the store. That's been three years now. And I still don't know where or how or what I am. Anyway, when I saw you the other day, I remembered what Cynthia told me back then that someday I'd be in the position to do the same for someone else. But it really didn't work out all that well did it?" she concluded sadly.

―

For my part, I just sat there, holding on to my toes, and just listen- ing. Eventually, I told her my own story much the same except with- out that profound physical aspect. Somehow, it was all I could think to do. As I talked, I was struck by the fact that in less than thirty hours, I would be leaving here forever. It was very sad.

15