Page 146 of Rite of Unity

“It’s a miracle,” Dr.Silva announced.“Twins.”

The Caines stared at one another.“We can’t afford two.”

Dr.Silva clapped his hands together.“You don’t understand.They’re boys.”

Gloria screamed, hand flying to her mouth, and her husband leaned against the table.

I froze the screen.Sixteen.

Long moments passed before I scrolled ahead.People I didn’t recognize repeated the steps, new numbers illuminated the corner of the screen, but none had produced a child.

I continued scrolling.

A knock sounded at the door.

“Honey?Breakfast?”

“I’m not hungry.Mom.I’ll be out in a bit.”

Silence outside the door.Then…

“Okay.”

I listened for the sound of retreating footsteps before I continued scrolling forward.

I hit play.

A girl with red hair lay atop the table.It wasn’t Dr.Silva’s office, though, and there was no number in the corner.

I sat up.

Dr.Smith entered the room.

I stiffened.

“State your name.”

She whimpered.

“Your name.Miss.”

“Please.I want to go home.”

I leaned forward, heart pounding.

“Would you rather go outside the wall?”

Tears streaked her cheeks.“No.”

“Your choices are research or outside the wall.”

She nodded, wiping her cheeks.

“Jemmiah Turner.”

I mashed the pause button, swallowing hard.

Chapter 36