The headlights of the Jeep Cherokee, clouded by years of oxidation, made for even a dimmer view of the shockingly dark neighborhoods, void of electricity. They drove at a slow pace, hoping to conserve as much gas as possible, as there was no way to know how far they would have to go to find a working station. It also meant no air-conditioning; the slight breeze coming from their glacial pace offering little comfort.

“Let’s hope the military isn’t close by, looking for survivors. If so, we’re in trouble,” Steven said.

“Jane said the city had all but emptied before the last storm. The National Guard only returned for them at the hospital.” William took off his hat to try and dry his sweaty hairline.

“You’re sure … you’re absolutely sure you can find her? Because that is one strong-willed, frightened young woman. It wouldn’t surprise me if she hit the gas and did not let up until Mississippi.”

“I can feel her. She’s still in the city.”

“How can you know that?”

William maneuvered around scattered trashcans in the street. Even the headlights seemed insignificant in the black.

“It’s the touch.”

“Touch?”

“I realized it in the hospital, right before the hurricane hit. When I physically touched Jane, I knew it. I could feel it. I had complete control over her abilities. Together … we moved the winds in the room from striking us. And then stopped the storm.”

“My God,” Steven said softly.

“It’s the same with Lily, once we made a physical connection. All I had to do was think … tell Lily to stop, and she would.“

“You can communicate with her telepathically?”

William glanced at him. “It sounds ridiculous. But yes. I didn’t realize the extent of it until I touched Jane. Once we made that connection … not only can I talk to her…”

“You can actually control her movements. Even if she doesn’t want to do it. William…”

“I know.”

“It’s incredible. Is that by design? Or did they even realize this could happen?”

“I don’t think so. In fact … I don’t think they’re happy about it at all.”

“How do you know?”

“They’re clearly controlling me when I dream to connect to the others, to spark their weapons. But back at the shotgun house, when I entered the dream, or connection, whatever you want to call it, and I tried to move on my own volition to find Jane, there was heavy resistance; a strong feeling that I was defying them. I got that same feeling when Jane and I stopped the storm: an anger from afar.”

“Son, I know you are shouldering a lot. And we’re all scared as hell. But this is the first sign of hope.”