The walls of the chamber had been carved into a nearly flawless sphere. A group of women sat in a circle on the floor with their eyes closed. They were all holding hands and intoning a single sound. Each wore a plum-colored robe and a copper medallion. It then occurred to him that, with all the women gathered in one place, he might be able to bolt out the entrance unnoticed.

But for the moment, the magic of the scene held him transfixed. Jesus had never seen women gathered in such a way. And he had never heard a group of people produce such a pure and seamless sound. The individual could no longer be distinguished from the group.

Seated at the center of the circle was the woman who had reminded him of his mother. Sister Shereen, he thought was her name. From what he had observed, she served an important role among the women, though he did not yet understand what it might be.

The volume of the tone increased and the vibration widened as if it were coming alive. From her central position, Shereen served as the tone’s fulcrum and her body shimmered. Jesus gasped at the phenomenon. He slapped a hand over his mouth, hoping the others had not heard. Much to his relief, no one seemed to notice and the sound continued unchanged. Soon a feeling of lightness and buoyancy surrounded him as if he were being lowered into a body of water. His skin felt crisp and sparkly. He smiled as a strange giddiness overcame him. Entranced, he spread his arms wide and was surprised to find that he could stand without support.

He felt like he could fly!

Just when he was certain he would lift into the air, a heavy hand dropped onto his shoulder. When he turned, he was staring into the angry eyes of Sister Joan.

“I am told you can walk,” a voice said.

Jesus looked up from his mat and saw Sister Ruth. His eyes searched for Sister Joan but did not find her. She had been guarding his doorway ever since apprehending him. He looked again at Ruth but said nothing. Even if he would not admit it, he was glad to see her dancing eyes.

“I am glad to see you, too,” Ruth said with a nod. “Come follow me,” she said and disappeared out the door. Jesus remained on his mat. Her invitation had startled him.

Was it a trick? Had they set a trap? Why after all this time would she suddenly entice him to leave the chamber?

Minutes passed. Ruth did not return.

Jesus wondered where she had gone but feared what might await him in the corridor. He struggled to contain his curiosity. But when she still did not return, he surrendered. He pressed his palms into the ground and lifted his torso above his stiff leg. The maneuver hurt his injury, but not like before.