Page 145 of Rite of Unity

I had only visited Micah’s home a handful of times, but his parents never failed to make me feel like I was a member of their family.Coming here reminded me of Micah’s openness, his kindness.

I sat in the chair, and Miriam set a cup down in front of me.“How’s Micah?He hasn’t been home in weeks.”

I pursed my lips.“That’s why I’m here.”

Leland and Miriam exchanged glances.

“Something is bothering him.”

They knew.Whatever it was, they knew and didn’t want to tell me.

“I want to help.Please.”

Leland held up his hands.“It’s so thoughtful of you, but you know Micah.He has a big heart.”

“Too big,” Miriam chimed in.

My brows shot up, and I tried again.“Is it a woman?”

Leland shook his head.“He’s very private.He wouldn’t want us to say.”

I frowned.“But I could do something.”

Leland stood, holding out a hand.I followed, shaking it.

He ushered me toward the door.“Some things can’t be helped.”

We reached the door, and he turned to face me.“You were always good to our Micah.Just be patient with him.He’ll come around.”

I stared between him and the open door.I had never been hurried out by Micah’s parents.I glanced back at Miriam, at her tired eyes.I would get no answers from these proud people.

I had thought coming here would help.Instead, I left with the distinct feeling that whatever was wrong with Micah, it had something to do with me.

***

The sky broke open the next morning, affirming every Covenant belief that Monday was a day to be indoors.

I slid the disk into the reader, and the drone above my bed whirred to life.On screen, a red sixteen blinked to life in the corner, then lights flashed on.A room with a metal table at its center and Josh’s dad.

Gloria Caine, Nami’s mother, lay atop the table, glancing at her husband.He came forward, squeezing her hand.

“And if we agree, we get the money?Like you said?”

Dr.Silva touched Gloria’s shoulder lightly.“Yes, Mrs.Caine.And if we’re successful, you’ll get much more than that.”

She nodded.

Dr.Silva moved around the table, stopping beside a freezer in the room’s corner.He pulled a tube out and held it to the light.

I touched my tablet, scrolling ahead, speeding through the insertion.Another visit, then another.No success.

“Is there any risk of trying again, doctor?”Mr.Caine asked.

“Just another payment,” he assured the nervous couple.

I scrolled again.In the corner, sixteen never changed, even as the clothes did.

Finally, I stopped scrolling.Mrs.Caine sat on the metal table, lying back.Her full belly was proudly displayed as she stared up at the ceiling.