u/IndependenceMean8774

A novel where a protagonist has a superpower or some great ability like telepathy or high intelligence, but is slowly losing it over time and must adjust to their life without it. I find it a really fascinating idea, as most types of these novels are about people getting stronger, not weaker.

The only examples I can think of that is even somewhat close is Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes and maybe Firestarter by Stephen King where Andy McGee's power gets worse over time and slowly kills him.

Thanks.

MacReady tells Childs to stay behind in the station while they go to the shed to test Blair. If Blair comes back and they are not with him, burn him.

Okay. But suppose Blair ambushed them and managed to knock them out or quick assimilate them like Garry or Bennings. Then it would have three bodies instead of one. Or kill one and assimilate two of them. Then come back and assimilate or kill Childs. Yeah, it tears through their clothes and makes a mess. But if its victims are unconscious, it could strip and absorb them, then get dressed again or steal other clothes.

In fairness, MacReady was really tired at that point and maybe he figured to have one real human hold back in case the Thing tried to come back to the station, so Childs could burn it. But it seems pretty risky given the stakes. Maybe it would have been better to have everybody stick together.