“You know,” James said tentatively. “I’ve always felt it was wrong Judaculla even had Fringers. I guess I was six or seven when I saw one for the first time. My parents and I had just finished dinner at The Board, and we were walking home when this frail old man staggered into town. He was begging for mercy, for food, for anything. Lots of people passed by him, acting as if he wasn’t even there. It was so different to what I’d known about life in Judaculla. No one ever went without food. As terribly backward as we are, being hungry was one thing I never had to worry about.

“That old man made it all the way to the steps of The Board before the Elders found him. He stood at the base, begging for forgiveness, food, and help. Gorbon waddled over to the man and kicked him hard, knocking him to the ground. Mom and Dad hustled me out of there, and I didn’t see what happened next.”

James hesitated, seeming to relive the memory in his mind. This image had haunted him for years. I waited patiently, allowing him to sift through it at his own pace.

“But I heard it.”

The shiver that passed through me had me longing for the fire. I didn’t want to hear any more of this terrible story, but James felt the need to tell me.

“I heard men shouting, encouraging each other to hit, kick, and to take a part in beating the man. My parents never discussed it with me, but even at that young age, I knew that old man would never have to worry about going hungry again.”

“I’m so sorry, James,” I said. I took his hand. “I’m sorry for the man, for you, and for all the Fringers.” Holding my breath, I dared to lean closer and rest my head on his shoulder. I waited for James to move away, but he didn’t.

“I wish I knew you,” James said. He tentatively smiled at me.

“You do,” I whispered.

James’s eyes searched my face as if he were trying to remember. When his eyes locked with mine, I leaned in and lifted my chin. My heart nearly exploded with joy when James bent closer and gently kissed me. It took all of my willpower to keep from throwing my arms around his neck and pulling him to me.