“Like water?”
“Yes, though wind would work, it’d be more visible and less predictable. As long as the river flows, we have power.”
“Will you tell me where we are, or is that something I need to wait to learn?”
I finished securing the plastic around her cast, reached for her hand, and helped her stand. Though it had to feel better to stand, she still grimaced with the movement. “Like I said before, we came here together, you and I. You knew where we were coming since before we arrived. You knew we were moving to the Northern Light, in Far North, Alaska.”
As her head moved slowly from side to side her hair fell about her face. “I don’t understand how it’s all gone—my memory. It seems like I’d remember moving to Alaska or where we lived before.”
“We don’t have time to wash your hair,” I said, changing the subject and removing the old hair tie dangling uselessly from a few strands of her hair. Once it was free, I raked my fingers down the length of blonde. “Besides, we washed it this morning and it still looks good. You’ll need to redo your braid—it fell out.”
“Do I have to keep it in a braid?”
The small fraction of emotion in her question made my cheeks rise. “Of course not. That’s how you wore it most of the time in the past. That’s why I mentioned it.”
“Oh,” she sighed. “Raquel mentioned a messy bun once. I think I’d like a messy bun for service.” Her voice softened as she added, “If that’s all right with you.”
“As long as you remember how to secure it, it’s fine. I can help with a lot, but you don’t want me fixing your hair.”
At the sound of my self-deprecating statement, she lifted her face toward mine, and her lips formed a stunning smile. In that grin she planted a glimmer of hope for our future. I felt the small seedling in my chest, its shell broken by roots that needed care, sunshine, and nutrients. I prayed a silent prayer to Father Gabriel that one day it would bloom.
“Here,” I said as I handed her the hairbrush.
These weeks that she was required to spend without sight gave me the clear advantage. I could stare and study my wife without her being self-conscious. As she brushed her hair, I watched, admiring how truly beautiful she was, especially now that her cheeks were mostly clear. The earlier bruising and more recent red blotches were about gone, revealing her creamy soft skin. Though the purple of her throat had faded considerably, now merely a brown tint, it still needed to be covered. That was why Raquel had gotten Sara the turtleneck sweater.
Tonight would be Sara’s first introduction to the followers. Everyone in the community understood the importance of making each follower feel welcomed. Newly acquired members were different. They didn’t realize they were new. For that reason they were primarily surrounded by people who’d help with their acclimation. The entire Assembly and Commission, and their wives, were Sara’s support group . . . well, with the exception of Brother Timothy and Sister Lilith. Since Brother Daniel was my overseer, he’d also become Sara’s. That was why Sister Ruth had stepped in with her training. After Sara’s breakdown, I’d gone to both of them privately and discussed my concern. I didn’t ask for Sister Ruth’s help, as that could have caused more problems with Lilith and Brother Timothy. However, I placed a bet on Sister Ruth’s caring nature; my wager paid off.
As Lilith had explained to Sara, as an Assemblyman’s wife, she held a special place of honor. For that, as well as other reasons, her transition into The Light was more difficult than that of a mere follower. Yet at the same time, the people in this inner circle of the chosen knew the way into The Light better than anyone, and would do their best to facilitate her success.
“There, that will work for my shower,” she announced as she fastened the clip I’d recently handed her behind her head. I grinned at the blanched spot on her lip. She’d had it securely tucked between her teeth as she concentrated on her hair. With her announcement she’d released it, allowing the pink to return.
As the warm water assaulted her backside, her grip on my hand tightened. Insensitively I choked out the words I knew to say. “Will you remember not to question?”
“Yes, Jacob,” she replied through gritted teeth.
It took a little time, but when her muscles relaxed, I knew she was finally more comfortable. Once she was out of the shower, I applied the ointment, explaining the whole time how it had helped her in the past. We turned off the light in the bathroom, and I replaced the bandages around her eyes. It wasn’t until she was dressed and ready for service that she mentioned her punishment.