like never before the satisfaction of feeling full and nourished.

“We’ve been waiting for word,” Elizabeth said, forcing his eyes back open. “I never would’ve guessed that you’d be the one, but we’ve been hoping that someone would come. We saw a flash of light from the direction of the city, and then the sky over there went dark. We haven’t heard a word since.”

The commotion around the table ceased as the gaze of every eye came to rest on him. In a flash, his mind returned to the events that had occurred just before his departure from the city, and they played before him in fast forward. He looked around the table, at the distrusting glances of the women, the wide, curious eyes of children, and the spiteful stares of the men, avoiding Minta’s eyes wi...

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