As the sun began to set, Micah called them all out onto the patio, where he opened two bottles of champagne and passed them around to kick off the festivities. Sero stood at the back of the group, leaning against the house. Micah stood in front of them, fingertips touching, as he waited for everyone to have a glass in hand. “Tonight, our Renaissance will serve as our recommitment to one another and the community we are building here at the Sanctuary. And to initiate the newest members of our family.” He smiled generously at Cerise, who was sitting practically at his feet, and Sero felt her expression curdle before she caught herself. “But first,” Micah continued, pacing the width of the patio. “I want to share an exciting announcement. Serotina, Jasmine and Rufus have been working for months to build an important new initiative here at the Sanctuary, down in the basement. It’s called Greenfields, and it produces the best medical marijuana on the market today.”

Sero saw the others share looks of surprise and approval. David smiled widely and pumped a fist in the air. “Just medical?”

“Well,” Micah said, smiling, “it meets the rigorous testing requirements for medical marijuana.” He paused. “But we’re all adults here, and you’ll all get a sample tonight.”

Cheers and hollers went up in the crowd. Sero noticed Zoe put a hand on August’s arm.

“Let’s thank Serotina, Jasmine and Rufus for their efforts,” Micah continued. “Their work enables us to do so much good for so many people, and we can feel good about that, as a family.”

Sero heard a low snort. As she looked around to see who might have made the noise, Micah began to walk the perimeter of the patio. “And this, in turn, gives us greater freedom. We can now afford to focus all our energies, collectively, here at the Sanctuary. Those with outside jobs can leave them.” Jeremy cheered and whistled at this news. “No more dividing your time and energy. No more working for someone else.” He held his champagne glass high in the air. “You can work for your family and your community and your future!” The group erupted into cheers, and as Micah waited for them to die down, he walked around the circle, touching shoulders and arms as he passed. “The earnings from Greenfields will finally allow us to make the investments we’ve been wanting to and get us one step closer to making our dream a reality.” He stopped behind Jasmine, resting both of his hands on her shoulders as he looked around the circle. “Solar panels. Dairy cows. More fruit trees.”

The snorting sound came again, louder, and this time Sero knew its source was unquestionably August.

“How about some hot water?” August spoke up. “It would be nice to take more than a three-minute shower.” There were a few chuckles from the group, but not Micah, whose expression remained serious. Sero watched him nervously.

“Well, if small, individual comforts are more important than investments that benefit the earth, then yes, I suppose we can consider plumbing,” Micah said with distinct sarcasm. “But we did this so we can—”