Jerry Sohl

“ Vincent Potter was a large man with a shining expanse of flesh between two islands of black, bristling hair above heavy brows that met over his nose and almost concealed the bright, intelligent eyes that glittered beneath them. ”

“ Briggs managed a good-natured laugh. "Miss Pomeroy, you have Timmy all wrong. He doesn't spend any more time in the Elroom than other children do."
"Children are all different," Miss Pomeroy countered. ”

“ We could make it to Alaska, Tibet, Africa—we could go around the world in our three weeks."
"We could do the same with the Elroom, George. And there are a lot more things besides travel." Mrs. Briggs's lower lip was trembling. "You're siding with those nasty school people. You think they're right about Timmy."
"Where is he?"
Timmy stuck his head up from behind the lounge. His big eyes were wide.
"Look at him, George. Ever seen a more normal boy? How could they think a boy like that could get so involved in a program he'd think he was living it." ”

“ He leaned against the cooker, his face blissful. "Imagine us—us—driving a new Caddie gyro—room for eight, you know—supersonic drive—sleek, too—we could get a red one—you'd like red, wouldn't you?—a thousand horsepower with twin turbos for level flight—and those off-center firing tubes with folding back overhead vertical flight pins—Gad!"
"Our present car—"
"Junk!"
"But it runs, and we don't need a car like that for just in-town driving." ”

“ Briggs, just what does your husband think of the Elroom?"
"He doesn't have much time to spend in it."
"You mean he'd rather do something else?"
"He's interested in typically man things—cars, mostly." Because Timmy had gone over to the curtains and was starting to walk through, and because she wanted to show Miss Pomeroy she was capable of some discipline, she said, "And where are you going, young man?"
"Probably back to the Elroom," Miss Pomeroy put in. Mrs. Briggs gave her an acid look.
Timmy swallowed the last bite of apple. "To get a drink. I'm thirsty." ”

“ When he had gone, Miss Pomeroy leaned forward. "You must keep him out of the Elroom, Mrs. Briggs. We'll send you a list of programs. He can have sublimation only one hour a day."
"Ridiculous!" Mrs. Briggs snapped. ”