Muthr added, “Though I am a manufactured hybrid biocomputer, and contain what some may consider ‘living organs,’ I use no metabolic processes to gain energy. Instead I derive all my power from a replaceable centurion power cell.”

Eva translated all of this to Rovender as she finished her drink.

“One who does not drink or eat, who tells the other what she must eat and drink . . . Curiouser and curiouser,” Rovender said, and stared at the girl and the robot.

Eva returned her empty drink container to her satchel. While doing so, she spied the WondLa. She pulled it out and studied it by a flickering lantern light. She thought it odd to have the WondLa with her, away from its secret place.

“Is this the thing you took from your collection, Eva Nine?” Rovender threw another rind into the pool and scooted close for a better look. “Of all the things you left behind, why did you choose to keep this?”

“This?” Eva answered, her eyes fixed on the crumbling picture. The little girl in the depiction was happy. Smiling. The robot beside her was also smiling. Along with the headless adult, they were holding hands and walking together, moving forward.

They were one. They were a family.

“I call this my WondLa,” Eva whispered.

“Wond-La?” Rovender repeated.

“Why?” Muthr asked.

“If you look closely, they’re the only words left on it that you can read. It’s the only thing I own that didn’t come from our Sanctuary. I thought it came from the people living here, but I guess I was wrong.” Eva let out a long, dejected sigh.

“You are correct, Eva,” Muthr said. “I have a record of all inventory within these Sanctuaries and it did not come from here.”

“But it had to come from somewhere,” Eva replied. “I think another human left it for me.”

“But it is not in our inventory,” Muthr said, looking down at the WondLa. “Perhaps it was left by the likes of Besteel or Mr. Kitt.”

Eva rubbed her thumb over the image of the little girl.

“It looks very old. Very dirty,” Muthr added. “Are you sure you want to bring it?”

“Don’t you get it, Muthr?” Eva said, affronted. “Look at the girl and her parent. Look at their robot. See how happy they all are? When is the last time you and I smiled like that?”

“Actually, we did so three hundred and seventy-eight days ago when you beat me in a game of holo-gammon,” Muthr replied. “But still, there was a reason this was not in our home. It is covered in mildew and contaminated with bacteria.”

Eva rolled her eyes. “Have you ever seen anything like this?” she asked, handing it to Rovender.

“Like this?” Rovender wiped his hands on his tattered jacket before taking it. “No, Eva Nine, I have not. But I have seen similar objects in the Royal Museum in Solas.” He handed it back.