CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

Ruby sat at the small kitchen table and nibbled at her tasteless dinner, wondering if what Claire had said about the mood stabilizing drugs was true. She wasn’t really hungry, but she didn’t know what else to do and she acknowledged that maybe being on a drug-induced even keel had its benefits after all, especially at times like this.

The day had been one horror after another. Even though she had received a continuous flow of bad news throughout the day, she had taken it in stride. The day’s events were tragic, but she believed her loved ones were in a better place. She wasn’t sure if Rachel’s situation had jaded her, dulling her ability to feel, or maybe she was being drugged.

She stared at her meal, thinking about the past and Nyla’s future. Ruby was lost in thought when she heard a timid knock on the door and fear filled her mind. She couldn’t imagine who would be calling so late and prayed it wasn’t more bad news—that Nyla had been captured.

Ruby shuffled toward the door and was surprised to see Leah Lynch standing outside. The women of the collective were a bit eccentric and seldom left the farm. Ruby wouldn’t have even recognized her except for the few school functions Leah had attended on behalf of the boys.

“Come in. Sit,” Ruby said as she recovered from the initial shock.

The two women went into the dimly lit living room. Ruby flipped on the radio and took her usual seat and Leah sat on the edge of Nyla’s chair. Ruby knew why Leah had come, but the woman seemed hesitant to talk, so she rocked in her chair while Leah sat with her fingers entwined, staring at them as if seeing her own hands for the first time. Ruby sat patiently, giving Leah time to gather her thoughts and to find silent comfort in the company of someone sharing her concern and grief.

“Can I get you some tea?” Ruby finally offered.

“No, thank you. I can’t stay. I’m sure you know by now they’re gone.”

Ruby nodded and slipped her left hand under her thigh. As long as she had the chip embedded under her skin, she was uncomfortable speaking in her own home.

Leah observed Ruby curiously and followed suit. She slipped her left hand under her thigh and her mind began to race. She hadn’t thought about it before, but with her son’s life at risk, she now saw the authorities in a new light. Living on the farm, it was easy to forget how much control had been wrested from the populace and how little freedom remained.

“Ethan received his donation notice this week.”

“I wondered why they had finally decided to go. Now it makes sense.”

Leah nodded. “I rescheduled the appointment for him, did his and Jared’s chores and lied to Vera all day in an attempt to cover their absence. I know I should feel bad about the dishonesty, but I don’t. They were going to take my boys from me.”

“I watched Nyla drive away and did nothing to stop her. She’s a lot like her mother you know. And, don’t feel too bad about the lies. I lied to Katherine Riley today and didn’t feel a bit guilty either.”

“Something drew me to Jared’s room early this morning and I found his chip under his pillow and I knew what they had done. I didn’t tell Vera or anyone else, but Katherine called a few hours ago and she knows. I’m sure she has called the authorities by now and she’s claiming Claire was abducted,” Leah said, while choking back the tears.

Ruby stopped rocking. She reached over, patted Leah’s knee, and handed her a tissue.

“You and I know how close our children are and how ridiculous it is to claim Claire was kidnapped. But, it doesn’t matter what that woman tells anyone, it won’t change the outcome for the boys if they’re caught. Let’s just pray they aren’t found and leave it at that.”

Leah nodded and blew her nose. She knew Ruby was right. By simply removing their chips and running away, the boys had already committed a serious enough crime to be punished to the fullest extent of the lawby death.

“Have you told Nyla’s mother yet?”

“I think she knew before Nyla even left the house.”

“What do you mean?”

“Rachel joined her father in Heaven late last night.”

A gasp escaped Leah’s lips. Ruby had experienced an even greater loss, yet she seemed remarkably under control—it had to be her faith. Leah had heard of God and Heaven. As a young child, she was told God was a myth that simpletons used to believe in to explain things they didn’t understand. Now, Leah wished she believed, because she didn’t understand why life had turned out this way and if anything happened to her son, she wanted to take comfort in believing he had gone to this wonderful place.

“Maybe I do have time for a cup of tea and if you wouldn’t mind, could you please tell me more about your God and His Heaven?”