I wait for Atlas to say something, but he just takes my hand in his. As we watch the screens, I find myself clinging to the hope that we can still save his father, since I can’t do anything right now for my own.

Index brings in platters of sandwiches. Some of the Stewards talk. Others stare out the window as music plays and the next anchor comes on the air.

We don’t have to wait long before the redhead behind the desk says, “Anyone out in some of the most popular areas of the North Side of Chicago last night got an intriguing surprise. Paper.”

I hold my breath.

“Pages and pages of papers and books were handed out to unsuspecting passersby in an unprecedented promotion for a new movie.”

My stomach drops. Everyone in the room shifts.

“Real World Studios isn’t sharing details about the title or cast of the upcoming film, but if they are willing to pay the tax on all that paper to get the city abuzz, chances are it will be a blockbuster.” There is a shot of a recycling center with a line going out the door.

A man in a black baseball hat gives a toothy smile to the camera as he holds up a fist full of money. “They’re paying double the normal rate for those red books. Whoever came up with the promotion is a genius.”

The anchor comes back on the screen as several Stewards slip out of the room. “If you know of anyone lucky enough to get one of those promotional books or single-page advertising sheets, please let the city know. We don’t want them to miss out on the extra-special recycling bonus. Now for the weather with Lawrence Tapper. How is the rest of the week shaping up, Lawrence?”

None of us listen to Lawrence as what was just reported sinks in.

“Just because they are calling it a promotion doesn’t mean everyone will turn them in without reading the pages,” Stacks says.

A bunch of Stokers nod, but doubt shadows more than one face. I can tell there are those who wished they had followed Scarlett’s edict instead of taking a stand.

The next day, Dewey spouts inspirational quotes about battles and revolution to bolster us, but by the end of the week, most Stewards have either left the station or disappeared into the city to wait for the lockdown’s end. There are no more reports about the movie campaign. There is only one news report reminding people not to miss out on the special recycling deals before the reporter turns to a discussion of a weekly weather update filled with rain.

I get up each day and turn on the news, even though I know what I will see. I check on my father, who has only gotten worse. Twice he stumbled out of his room railing against the people who killed my mother. The last time, he struck Stacks in the mouth and drew blood.