Dearest

"Dearest" by H. Beam Piper is a science fiction tale set in the mid-20th century, examining themes of isolation and the search for connection through a supernatural lens. The story revolves around Colonel Ashley Hampton, a man battling attempts to declare him mentally unfit, who finds solace in an unseen entity he calls "Dearest." As his nephew and others try to commit him, Colonel Hampton's bond with Dearest deepens, revealing her remarkable powers when she unexpectedly intervenes during a dangerous plot hatched by his family. This intervention validates Dearest's real existence, leading to a dramatic confrontation that blurs the lines between reality and the fantastic, while showcasing themes of loyalty, the intricacies of family dynamics, and the precarious balance of sanity.