It just became our own little private revelation, Howard said. But of course you want to share a revelation, right? The more people know and can access it, the more its beauty and power is magnified. I’m not saying we’re Copernicus here or anything, but can you imagine if he discovered the Earth revolved around the Sun and then couldn’t tell anyone about it? It would be absolutely maddening. We’ve been sitting on this thing that we know can change people’s lives.

Nora, what’s wrong? Emily asked. I turned to see that Nora had teared up. In fact she seemed to be rocking herself ever so slightly in her chair.

Nothing, it’s fine.

Come here, Jo said, extending her arms.

I’m just so frustrated with myself. I don’t know what’s wrong with me.

Nothing is wrong with you.

I want to feel it so much.

And then Nora broke down, her face contorting—I’m a good person. I work hard. I deserve to feel it.

I know, Jo said, stroking Nora’s hair.

I hear it so strongly.

I know.

What am I doing wrong?

It will come in time, Howard said.

The way Howard said those words made me think of my father teaching me how to ride a bike when I was five, and then my teaching Ashley to do the same. The iridescent tassels on her handlebars. Her pink training wheels.

When? Nora asked Howard.

When your body is ready.

Is it because I’m stupid or something?

No, of course not, Jo said, soothingly.

Then what?

Here. Jo stood up and moved to the centre of the room. I want you to kneel in the middle of the floor, right here. She knelt down on the floor to demonstrate.

Kneel?

Yes, right there.

Nora stood and joined Jo down on the floor, with some audible bone cracks as she knelt. And now, Jo continued, I want everyone to kneel around Nora.

One by one we got to our knees and formed a circle around Nora.

Full circle, that’s it, Jo said, like a kindergarten teacher, before finding her own place within it. We’re going to tune ourselves, once again, to the Resonance and we’re going to channel its full intensity at Nora.

Oh wow, Nora murmured.

And how exactly are we going to do that? Shawn asked.

Trust me, you’ll know, Jo replied. Just allow it to work through you. And love—she leaned in towards Nora—you will feel it this time, I can assure you. I can’t promise you something earth-shattering—

Eight orgasms?

No.

I’ll settle for six, she joked. We laughed encouragingly, as a little smile danced across her face.