"R. Garcia y Robertson - The Good Ship Lollypop" - читать интересную книгу автора (Robertson R Garcia Y)

For the first time since Didi disappeared, Shirlee stood in the
strawberry fields, thrilling to the sunset. Fearlessly enjoying the moment, as
the mirrors tilted in space, seeming to suck up the light. One by one, the
stars came out around her.

Some of the girls knew their names. Carol pointed to a yellowish star.
“That’s Betelgeuse.”

“And the big blue one is Rigel.”

“That red one is Antares.”

“No, it’s Niger B.”

“How do you know?”

“My dad is there.” When she was little, Shirlee thought her father was
a Feelie star, because she only saw him on 3V. Now she knew better.

“Can you see Earth?”

“Don’t be silly.” At this distance they might as well try to see
Graceland. Nor could they see the great gas giant the habitat orbited, since
it was upsun from them. Monrovia seemed to hang alone among the stars.

“Time to go,” Carol declared. Jill agreed, and Shirlee felt suddenly
chilled. Her quarter-Z was wearing off.

Heading back toward the tunnels, her high faded. She no longer felt
free and unafraid. Or unwatched.

Tina felt it too, silently taking her hand. This was how Didi
disappeared.

Carol whispered, “We are being followed.”

“What do you mean?” Jill demanded.

Carol shushed her. “Keep walking. Don’t look.”

Tina squeezed her hand, and Shirlee squeezed back, at the same
time glancing over her shoulder into the darkness. Ignoring Carol’s warning.

For the second time in her life, Shirlee saw the Boogie man, a black
shape outlined in starlight, like a ninja in a night suit. He easily gained on
them, growing larger.

Shirlee shrieked and ran, dragging Tina after her. Jill swore aloud,
then joined them, with Carol close behind.