SOLO III
Demon World
Part 021
Children start coming in, breakfast is prepaired,
and the mood warms up. They seem innocent and happy.
Chatting and paying attention to one another. You sitting there
having breakfast with them at one of the tables is taken as a good
sign.
The room seems to reorganize itself, with everyone
trying to sit as close to you as possible. They babble on
contentedly while eating. There are many more girls than
boys. It occurs to you that boys may be more prone to run away,
and you seem to think you have rescued just as many of both. But
this is all that's left.
When breakfast is over they all stop talking and sit
up. Gail is looking over them like an expectant school
teacher. Rebecca whispers to you "normally I would lead them in
exercises now, and then Gail would start classes. But since you
are here, maybe you should say something."
You rise and walk to the kitchen. Every eye
follows. You turn and face them all. Just looking for a
moment. All the little faces. Expectant. Almost
holding their breath. The hope of the world gathered into one
small room.
"This day, we are going to start something
different. We are going to bring out the astral carpet and set it
up here. Gail and I will sit on it with each one of you in
turn. And we are going to visit your parents."
There is an audible gasp in the room.
"They won't be able to see you. And they won't
be able to hear you. But for a few minutes you will be able to
check on them. One day we are going to beat all the demons.
And I want you to remember that there are people who still love
you. Besides, we have been down here long enough without seeing
the stars and the sunshine again."
You turn and look to Gail. "Gail."
She stands and starts organizing the children.
Rebecca goes to fetch the carpet. Ada clears a space on the floor
for it.
When Rebecca returns you look over the
children. Gail takes the youngest one by the hand and walks over
to you. "Uncle" She says "This is Regonald." And the three
of you sit down on the carpet.
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