Kurt Vonnegut ”The Sirens of Titan” 301~326p -9 読了

太陽系の果て土星の惑星タイタンで、トラルファマドール星からたった一言のメッセージを授けるために遥々やってきたロボットのサロと、ラムフォードに操作されて妻となったビアトリスを失ったコンスタントの会話。

"My mate died today," said Constant.

"Sorry," said Salo. "I would say, 'Is there anything I can do?' --- but Skip once told me that that was the most hateful and stupid expression in the English language."

Constant rubbed his hands together. The only company he had left on Titan was whatever company his right hand could be for his left. "I miss her," he said.

"You finally fell in love, I see," said Salo.

"Only an Earthling year ago," said Constant. "It took us that long to realize that purpose of human life, no matter who is controlling it, is to love whoever is around to be loved."

・・・やはり最後は｢愛｣なのか。とことん悲惨な話だったが、最後の最後で救いが見えてホッとした。