The Time of Cold

"The Time of Cold" by Mary Carlson is a science fiction story from the early 1960s that highlights survival on an alien planet through its two main characters: a human astronaut and a peculiar liquid creature. Deep in an unforgiving extraterrestrial world, the story follows Curt, an astronaut struggling against the threats of heat and dangerous alien wildlife. He is forced to seek safety from the planet's harsh conditions. Meanwhile, Xen, a liquid being, watches Curt, battling between fear and intrigue. As the two cross paths, Xen discovers the human's struggles during a rare cold snap and surprisingly helps him find shelter. Their journey emphasizes empathy across different species, revealing how survival can unite even the most unlikely of beings.