—and others have too, for a long, long time, and there’s a reason, a very good reason the rest of the world doesn’t know about this, and that’s because it’s been kept from us.

I need you to stop this, Howard said, and then pointed to the gun. And I need you to put that away.

Yeah, I can’t listen to this, I said. I looked to Kyle and, from the forlorn look on his face, I could tell he felt the same.

You think we’re the only people who’ve ever discovered this? Damian asked me.

Of course not, Jo said, answering for me.

All around the world, Damian said, continuing to look at me, throughout time, people have discovered they can hear it, and tap into it, and each one of them has been kept down, or discredited, or jailed, or burned at the stake. Systematically.

Howard, a large vein now visible in his forehead, pointed to Damian—I am not going to sit here and listen to conspiracy theories about something I have been working years to gain a legitimate and scientific knowledge of.

The conspiracy is what is being done to us, Damian replied. It’s only a theory until there’s evidence and the evidence is all around us, we are living proof of—

Enough, Howard shouted, startling everyone to silence. That’s enough. Now put that away or get out.

Damian looked shocked—Out?

I’m not going to ask you again.

You’d kick me out?

I—

Just like that? Damian asked. This is my family, Howard. I am doing this because you’re my family.

I know, Howard said, his conviction wavering.

Emily nodded—We know, hun.

This is about defending what is most precious to us.

Nora leaned forward and touched Damian’s hand—Damian, please. Just . . . put it away.

And finally, at Nora’s gentle insistence, he relented. He picked the gun up off the coffee table, and locked it back into its holster, concealed from view under his untucked flannel shirt. He then plunked himself back down in his chair.

I can’t believe you’d kick me out, he muttered, glancing at Howard.

I-I wouldn’t. I’m sorry.

I took a breath and unclenched my fists. I felt a strange mix of anger and protectiveness towards Damian. Perhaps it was the feeling of wanting to protect him from himself.

We are here for each other, Jo said, pouring her voice over the hot coals of the moment. And we love each other. Yes?

Everyone nodded, glancing around the circle.

Let’s say it so we remember—We love each other.

We all intoned in unison, after Jo.

And we are working towards something beautiful and difficult and yes, there will be challenges ahead, but we do not need fear and division right now, Jo said.