I honestly don’t know what to say. My brother stares into the future and sees only a nightmare. Is this what our father once looked like? Enraged and despairing? It makes me think about my brave parents who once saw a future that nobody else wanted to believe.

Jorzy’s eyes focus on me again and he puts a hand on my shoulder, saying lightly, “Go home, Leho, get some rest.”

“Where are you going?”

But my brother is already striding away into the gloom.

* * *

Back at the house, Marina and Therei are sitting at the table, sewing in the light from the lamp. I’ve noticed that Therei is hanging around more these days, as if drawn like a moth to Marina. She’ll know about the pregnancy, and I wonder if Therei is envious. My sister smiles when she sees me and holds up her handiwork.

“What d’you think?”

It’s a tiny dress made from calico. I lift the skirt, feeling the softness of the material between my fingers. “Will its legs really be that long?”

Marina laughs. “No, silly. You have to make it long to keep the baby warm.”

“You must remember what a baby looks like,” says Therei. She’s working on a similar dress, the needle flashing between her thin, nimble fingers.

“Sure I do,” I huff. Though I don’t remember much from when Babet was a squalling infant. “Is there any food left?”

“We saved you some patties.”

Standing at the bench, eating, I listen to the women’s quiet talk. Perhaps it’s better that Marina is going to the countryside. At least away from the city, she might have a chance to be safe to bring up a baby. What other choice is there – the Caucasas? I try to picture a flat, desolate place with crops growing on the horizon, but it’s hard. I’ve only ever known the city, and can only think in terms of a sports field, which is the largest open area I know. Maybe the Caucasas won’t be all that bad. Maybe my brother and his friends are exaggerating. Maybe the Director really does want the best for everybody.

I glance up to find Marina’s gaze on me. “What?”

“I said, how is your job going?” And to Therei: “Leho is working in the Director’s garden.”

Therei’s eyebrows rise. “Really!”

“Yes, that’s why he looks so healthy and tanned these days; all that time spent working outdoors.”

“Is that it,” says Therei, with her sideways glance, “and I thought it was a girl.”

My thoughts fly to Emee, and my face goes hot. Ridiculous!

Thankfully the women don’t seem to notice. Marina is examining the hem of the baby dress with a critical eye. She continues to chat: “Working at the Director’s house, we’re hoping it will keep him out of the factories.”