"Dearest" by H. Beam Piper is a short science fiction story that was published in the early 1950s. The narrative takes place primarily in the contemporary setting of the author's time, revolving around themes of isolation, companionship, and the supernatural. The story follows Colonel Ashley Hampton, who communicates with an invisible entity he affectionately refers to as "Dearest," exploring the realms of mental health, family tensions, and unexpected twists of fate. The plot centers on Colonel Hampton, who is facing pressures from his nephew and others who wish to have him committed to a mental institution. As he struggles against their intentions, he unexpectedly develops a relationship with an otherworldly presence named Dearest. Initially skeptical, the Colonel finds comfort in her companionship, ultimately discovering her extraordinary abilities when she intervenes during a violent twist of events instigated by his malicious relatives. As chaos erupts, it becomes apparent that Dearest's existence is not merely a figment of his imagination, leading to a climactic resolution that blends elements of the fantastical and the real. The story showcases themes of loyalty, the complexity of human relationships, and the thin line between sanity and madness. (This is an automatically generated summary.)