The window was too high to reach without something to stand on. I quickly scanned the basement, the boxes, and some old furniture, which included a small writing desk under a stack of boxes. It would take some time to get to that desk, but I didn’t see any other alternative.

“Help me,” I whispered to Eli, running for the desk. “We have to clear this desk and get it under the window.”

“So we can get out,” he whispered behind me. I wondered if he thought this was a game. Surely he wasn’t that naïve.

“Yes.”

ROSE SMILED AS SHE APPROACHED HER FAMILY home. She’d been terrified to do what Sylous asked, but now having followed his leading, she felt nearly jubilant. This was how it felt to surrender to God’s will, even in the most difficult of
circumstances.

She was smiling, but her fingers were still trembling. It was the quiet that had filled Ben’s room when the toxins had finally stopped his heart. And that last death rasp. Now it was the boy’s turn. But his death would be easier.

Her husband and sons were reading their nightly devotion together on the front porch. Evelyn was still safely tucked away in her bedroom. The sight eased some of Rose’s tension. She was doing this for them. Keeping the valley safe, serving Christ and his kingdom. When it was finished all would be well.

Stephen jumped up and waved. She returned the gesture and collected her thick skirt in one hand while steadying herself on the handrail that guided her up the front steps.

“What are we reading today, dear husband?”

Harrison looked up from the book in his lap and smiled. “We’re reading about the first time God cleansed the earth.”

“I think drowning would be awful,” Levi said.

“We wouldn’t drown,” Stephen said, picking at his nose. “We’d be on the boat because we’re pure.”

“That’s correct, son.” Harrison looked back up at his wife. “Will you be joining us?”

“Not tonight,” Rose said, stepping past her children to her husband, who was sitting in his self-crafted rocking chair. The chair was a source of pride for him, even though he was careful not to show it. She placed her hand on Harrison’s shoulder and leaned forward to kiss his cheek. “I’m going to check on Evelyn and put some soup on. Take your time.”

“Sounds yummy, boys.” Harrison looked up at her, brow arched. “Potato soup?”

“That’s what I had in mind.”

“Even better.”

Rose pushed the screen door open and walked into the house. She removed her shoes and washed her feet, careful not to spill any water on the floor. After drying her feet then removing her overcoat, she walked to the kitchen to put a pot of water on for the soup.