Page 39 of The Pacifist
“Maybe as soon as the day after tomorrow. It depends on how fast they can get his new limbs finished. They were produced after he woke up from his coma, but there are still adjustments that need to be done. The doctors are just as excited about it as we are.”
“I’m still a bit in shock. We’ve waited for this for so long. I’m coming home so I can be there.”
My mom grew serious. “No, Mila. It’s better if you stick to the plan. Dad knows that you love him but it feels like this is something he needs to do for himself. He sent me out of the room when he was with Finn. He doesn’t like it when we fuss over him.”
“You sure?”
“Yes. And with everything that’s going on here, we prefer that you and the little ones stay safe in the Motherlands.”
“Okay, I’ll stay then. But do you know what made him change his mind?”
My mom hesitated. “I can’t say for sure, but I think it’s connected to something Jonah told him.”
“Jonah?”
“Yes. Dad was so upset after you left. It was strange, because he kept repeating how he could easily win a fight against Jonah.”
“That’s odd. It’s not like Jonah was ever a threat.”
“I know. That’s what makes it so weird. Did Jonah talk to you about his conversation with Magni?”
“No, he just said that Dad threatened to punch him.”
“Hmm. I asked your dad, but the only answer I got was that he wouldn’t bother remembering anything that pompous ass had to say.”
“Jonah isn’t pompous. He’s the most grounded person I know.”
My mother’s voice turned soft. “I know that, dear, and the next time I see him, I’m giving Jonah the biggest hug because I don’t know what he told Magni, but by some miracle, it was the push he needed.”
“That’s good.”
“Yes. And you’ll be happy to know that the little ones are having a great time with Athena. It’s a good thing that she has the patience of a saint, because all those kids in her small house can’t be easy, and now that Finn is here, she’s on her own.”
“Do you want me to bring them home when I go back later this week?”
Laura hesitated. “I miss them, but as I said: it’s better if they stay a little longer. There’ve been a few… ehh… episodes.”
“What episodes?”
“I don’t want to worry you, dear, but let’s just say the list of men who want to challenge Khan for the role of leader is growing longer every day.”
“But he encouraged that himself. He said any man with the ambition to be the President of the Northlands should run for office.”
“Yes.” Laura sighed. “And so far, thousands have taken him up on it. Problem is that we have no tradition for this sort of thing and it’s not exactly running smoothly. Yesterday, one of the candidates got beaten badly by the supporters of another candidate.”
“Is he okay?”
“He’s in the hospital. Pearl feels awful since she’s the one who encouraged the election in the first place. She went to see him in the hospital this morning and brought a large box of beer and snacks.”
“Yes, that sounds like something Pearl would do.”
From outside the bedroom, I could hear agitated voices. “Mom, I have to go, but keep me posted with Dad, okay?”
“I will, and remember that we all love you.”
“I love you too.”
After ending the call, I walked in to the kitchen where Jonah, Emanuela, Cole, their mother Lilly, and other family members were having what looked to be an emotional family meeting.
