And you’ve done nothing but assume you have it, Seema countered. You’re not willing to entertain that this might be something else, and it feels like there’s no space in this room for anyone—

We are, excuse me—Jo interjected—we are making space. That is exactly what we’re doing.

No you’re not, not a genuine space for discussion.

This is about you gathering a bunch of folks together and advancing your cause or whatever, Tom said. Well count me out.

I don’t have a cause, Tom, Howard said, sounding suddenly exhausted.

You have a very specific framework that you’re operating in, Seema replied, creating a little box with her hands in front of her.

You want to know why I’m here? Tom asked. He picked up the piece of paper and brandished it. This to me, he said, this to me, looks like a neighbourhood association meeting or something. Am I the only person who thinks so? Because that’s what we actually need here.

Just go, Jo said.

Tom looked down at Emily—Come on.

No.

I’m not staying.

Well I am, she said, folding her hands in her lap.

Tom looked at her in disbelief—Why?

Because I want to. I feel invested.

Invested?

You’re welcome to go, I’m not keeping you.

Invested in what?

In this conversation.

This fucking Resonance stuff? he asked, gesturing towards Howard.

Why are you being so aggressive? Emily asked.

Tom looked dumbfounded—I can’t even believe you right now.

Just—she gestured towards the door. Tom turned to Seema, hoping to find an ally in her, but frustrated as she was, she had no intention of leaving. He then looked over at me, but I didn’t meet his gaze. Howard’s words had gotten under my skin, and I was far from finished with working them out. I also couldn’t imagine leaving without Kyle. Tom scanned the circle one last time, giving us a little sardonic wave, and walked out of the house, closing the door behind him with a bang. Emily looked around the circle and apologized to everyone, in the quiet that followed.

No, I’m sorry, Howard said. Really.

For what? Leslie asked. You didn’t do—

No, I came on too strong, he said. This is brand new for all of you, and I’ve had decades to process this. I got too excited and just jumped right in, I’m sorry. I think that kind of spooked Tom. It’s just that I’ve been wanting to do this for so long, I can’t even tell you. And there are such exciting breakthroughs and discoveries that lie ahead of us.

Just then, to everyone’s surprise, Tom walked back through the front door, and into the living room. Emily sighed—Let me guess, you forgot your glasses.