Jacob continued, “I understand the importance of my job, but I’ve been in touch with Brother Micah. No delivery or pickup has gone undone . . .”
His determination increased with each sentence as he continued his defense. Sister Lilith spoke firmly but Jacob held his own. I rolled my shoulders and straightened my neck. With the volume of their conversation, there was no way I would’ve stayed asleep, not without medication. The last thing I gleaned from their conversation was something Jacob said about me eating. I pressed my lips together and waited for her response.
“Father Gabriel”—Sister Lilith’s voice softened—“knows what’s best. We must trust him, even when we don’t understand his ways. Only he knows the plans and what’s best for the community. If Sister Sara purposely chose to disobey—”
Jacob interrupted, “She didn’t. I’ve testified. You were here yesterday. You heard Sara’s responses to Timothy’s questions.”
“Brother Timothy and we heard your responses,” she replied. “We’ve yet to hear hers. They’re expecting you at Assembly. I’m not privy to know the thoughts of the Commission, but I’d assume that after Assembly your petition for Sara’s nutrients will be heard. I’m confident that without your presence, it won’t. Truly, as with all things, the decision is yours.”
Jacob was part of this, part of some assembly. What does that mean? And how can she threaten me but say that the decision is his?
For the first time since the room cleared the night before, Jacob gathered my hand in his. “Sara, can you hear me?”
I squeezed his hand once.
“You won’t be alone. Sister Lilith is here. I’ll contact Dr. Newton and tell him not to examine you until I return. Do you understand?”
I squeezed his hand.
“I’m also going to call Brother Luke. I believe he’ll allow Sister Elizabeth to come and sit with you. Above all, you must rest your vocal cords.” His tone turned more empathic. “No matter what anyone says, it’s important that you don’t speak. It doesn’t matter who it is. As your husband, I forbid speaking. Is that clear?”
Though his demand seemed archaic, there was something more in Jacob’s voice than a dictatorial directive. Strategically hidden between the words was a warning, one I planned to heed. He wasn’t so much restricting my speech as he was talking about whom I could trust. Could this be the reason for my accident? Were these people dangerous? My questions continued as I squeezed his hand.
“I’ll be back as soon as I can, and then we’ll learn what Dr. Newton has to say.”
I had the distinct feeling that there was no love lost between Sister Lilith and my husband. I didn’t know why, but I didn’t care much for her either. Yet, for some reason, I felt differently about the Elizabeth he’d mentioned. There was something about her name that felt warm.
With a cursory squeeze of my hand, Jacob was gone.
As Sister Lilith moved across the room, the click of her shoes was different from Jacob’s or even Sister Raquel’s. After hearing her take a few more steps, I decided she was wearing high heels. Resting quietly against the pillow, I hoped again that this was just some long nightmare; however, it wasn’t. With each passing moment it became more obvious why I’d blocked my memories of this life. It was simply too bizarre.
Sister Lilith’s footsteps stopped as someone new entered the room.
“Good morning, Sister Sara.”
I recognized Raquel’s voice, and my cheeks rose. Finally I was being addressed directly.
While Sister Raquel moved the bedsheets, she spoke with Sister Lilith. The more I listened, the more I liked Raquel. She was respectful of whatever power Brother Timothy’s wife held, yet at the same time she was efficient with her job, explaining her duties and what we’d be doing for the next thirty or so minutes. According to the conversations I’d overheard, I’d been unconscious for nearly a week. With my second day of consciousness, I wanted to move—but mostly I was thrilled to learn I’d be able to shower. Politely, Sister Raquel asked Sister Lilith to step into the hall. The awkward silence that followed had me picturing some sort of standoff. I don’t know if that really happened, but thankfully, the door finally opened and closed and Raquel sighed.
Every part of my body ached from my injuries, inactivity, and lack of nutrients. Sister Raquel’s voice reassured me as she talked me through each task. Before I could leave the bed, there were tubes to be removed. I had no idea what they were giving me through the IV. Jacob said it fed me, but I suspected it was delivering medication too. Once I was unattached, Sister Raquel urged me to the edge of the bed. Even sitting on my own took effort.