Page 108 of The Pacifist
“You mean Freya?”
“Yes. She is so young but when she speaks, she makes me feel like I’m the child and she’s the adult.”
“I know, it can be a little freaky.”
“She was telling me about her plans to raise money for the poor, and had some great questions.”
“About what?”
“About how we care for our elders in the Motherlands.”
“Oh, that’s nice.”
“I know, and unexpected.” Anne looked to the door. “Is Jonah in there?”
“Yes, he’s with my dad.”
“Oh, then I hope he tells him about the hugging booth?”
“What hugging booth?”
“Jonah didn’t tell you?” Anne lit up in a bright smile showing her perfect teeth. “It’s to help Khan get elected. Hunter and Emanuela are helping out too. You should come.”
A sound from inside my dad’s office made us look at the door.
“I’m curious to know what they’re saying?”
“Me too,” I said. “I really wish I knew what is going on.”
CHAPTER 23
Tribal Nature
Jonah
As I followed Magni into his office, he pointed to a chair. “Sit!”
I took a stance behind the chair and waited, just to show that I wasn’t someone he could boss around.
“Tell me, what is going on with you and my daughter?”
“I love her.”
“Yeah, you said that in your speech last night, but does Mila love you?”
“Yes.”
“Hmm… you know I want her to marry a big, strong protector.”
“I’m aware.”
“You’re fucking up my plan, Jonah.”
“If I’m allowed to continue my work on the council, I’m hoping Mila will stay with me in the Motherlands. She won’t need a protector there.”
“The Motherlands.” He scoffed. “I don’t want my girl in the Motherlands. People are psychopaths there. Look at what they’ve done to you.” With a loud snort, he muttered. “Denying people basic freedom.”
“Please don’t call us psychopaths.”
