450. THE LADY OF FINNIGAN'S HEARTH - A black ink and gray pencil drawing on an 11 x 14 size vellum paper. It illustrates the story, "The Lady of Finnigan's Hearth," by Parke Godwin, published in, "Fantastic, Sept., 1977"

Here is someone special who needs you . . .

Last night I had a conversation with "HIM". I asked HIM, "Do YOU really exist?"
and HE answered, "Yes, Steve, I really do exist".

I followed with, "And did YOU really create the Universe in which I live?"
and HE replied, "Yes, I did".

"Why?" I asked, "What's the point of it all?"
and HE said, "Think of only ME existing and nothing else, what would be the point of MY existing? . . .

I looked at HIM and said with incredulity, "You mean that YOU need me as much as I need YOU?"

HE smiled softly, and I could see the answer in HIS eyes . . .
And as HE faded away I thought I heard HIM say, "Maybe more."

And then I woke up.