Ruth and Jesus flinched at their oversight.

How could they not have realized that others might recognize their dress?

Sensing her guests’ sudden unease, the old woman held out a hand and said, “Perhaps I can provide your sisters with some fresh robes?”

Relieved, Jesus said, “We would be most grateful.”

The wife and daughters approached to set fresh bread and a pitcher of milk before them. Jesus watched as they moved throughout the dwelling like spirits, attracting as little attention as possible and occasionally disappearing behind a wall of blankets to tend to a crying infant. Thick shawls covered their faces.

No one else seemed bothered by the women’s show of obeisance. But it bothered Jesus. In his time with the Sisters, he had grown accustomed to living in a community of equals. His experience with them had revealed to him the true glory and wonderment of women. And though he knew it was a predicament upheld by tradition, the sight of women in subservient roles, covered and in silence, taken for granted and not honored, infuriated him. Perhaps what made him most angry was the knowledge that but for his odd looks, he too would be forced to live under the same restrictions.

While they ate, Ruth turned a strong eye toward Jesus. It was clear she had read the rebellious thoughts roiling in his mind. And her look was a warning not to express them.

Growing restless in his corner, the young man spat at the ground. It was clear he did not welcome the visitors and was accustomed to ruling his house.

Jesus leaned forward, irritated by the man’s arrogance. “Your son does not seem to welcome us,” he said under his breath.

The old woman rolled her eyes. “The young ones have become confused,” she whispered. “Most know only the new ways—and prostrate themselves before a vengeful, intolerant god. It is the visiting priests who poison their minds. By threatening people with eternal damnation, they turn them against their own reason,” she said. She scowled with sudden anger and lifted her voice. “But what has this new god brought us other than suffering, eh? Men who kill without remorse and women hiding in the shadows!”

The old woman’s daughter-in-law gasped at her heretical words.

“Mother!” the young man roared.

She waved him off. “I am old. I am free to speak my mind!” she said.

Furious, the young man stormed from the house.

The next morning, Jesus and his sisters were awakened by an infant’s cries and the anxious patter of footsteps outside the house.

Ruth sat up and leaned over her companions. “We must leave before the people wake,” she said.

Both Jesus and Tabitha nodded and bent to tie their sandals.

When they stepped outside, dozens of villagers who had gathered in the early hours pressed in around Jesus. Some approached on their knees, others clasped their hands in pleading. The old woman was nowhere to be found.