Ruby and Penny noticed Charlie too, and delightedly rushed to the door with Vera.They felt both shock and pain seeing Charlie's condition, as they didn't expect that he would end up so bruised and battered.His clothes were shredded and barely strips dangling over his body, though it did cover the front and his privates.Vera quickly held his hand, asking worriedly, "Are you alright? Are you hurt?""Just a little," Charlie replied, smiling. "But mostly healed, although the clothes are a problem."Vera's pain was obvious on her face, and she squeezed his hand. "Come inside—I'll get a bath ready and some fresh clothes."Charlie nodded. "Thanks, Ms. Lavor.""You're always welcome," Vera replied, and hurried to the bathroom.Perhaps because Norway had fewer research crew members, they had actual bathtubs instead of showers, as they do at research bases with larger teams. Charlie knew that he was a mess, but it didn't matter and spent his time soaking in the bath and cleaning up,
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