Page 87 of The Pacifist
“It is, but I feel rejuvenated and relaxed. A group of us are going snowshoeing tomorrow. We’re bringing lunch and having a picnic in the snow.”
Hunter snorted. “What kind of punishment is that? Sounds like something we would do for fun back home.”
I leaned in. “Hunter, Cole isn’t being punished. The extra time is meant to give him time to reflect on his choices.”
“Have you told them that you regret your actions?” Emanuela asked Cole.
His answer was abrupt. “No! And I still don’t.”
Hunter gave a small whistle. “You’d better prepare for a long vacation then.”
Cole shrugged. “I’m counting on Jonah’s speech to change their minds. You did amazing, by the way.”
“Thank you.”
“I heard that you’re going back for round two tomorrow, and that they’ll cast their votes then.”
“That’s right.” I played with my fork, feeling a heaviness in my chest. “It doesn’t look good. So far I haven’t had many signs of support.”
“If only there was something I could do,” Anne repeated for the third time.
I gave her a small smile while Hunter lifted a beer and showed it to Cole. “Look what your mom saved for you.”
“A beer?”
“Yup, the last one, and I’m drinking it now.”
Cole groaned. “You’re an ass.”
The room filled with Hunter’s unburdened laughter. “I’m kidding. She had three left so I’m not drinking yours… Gunnar is.”
We all laughed when Gunnar’s eyes went large. “Am I drinking Cole’s beer?”
My mom shook her head. “Cole, don’t listen to anything Hunter says. I still have one saved for when you return.”
“Thanks, Mom.”
“Are they treating you well?” Her tone of concern made me love Lilly even more.
“Yeah, Mom, it’s beautiful here, and I’ve met several who sympathize with what happened to us. Turns out a lot of people dream of more freedom.”
“I’m one of them.” Hunter grinned. “Which is why I want to make a toast to Anne, whose skills as an arsonist helped convince my wife to finally move to the Northlands with me.”
Emanuela sighed. “I’ll admit that we’ve been talking about it for a long time.”
Hunter took her hand and squeezed it. “And now that the Dolphins terminated our contracts, it’s been decided for us. No more excuses.”
My mom, who had been poking her fork at the cake, agreed. “Better that than wait for the authorities to put us all in a place of reflection.”
Anne placed her elbow on the table, and rested her head in her palm. She looked devastated. “I’ve ruined everything, haven’t I?”
“That depends.” My tone was dry. “We might all like snowshoeing and napping. Who knows?”
Hunter took a sip of his beer. “At least you’re going down with the rest, Anne. I’m sure they have some special meditation program for crazy people.”
“Hunter, that’s not nice,” my mom scolded him. “Anne isn’t crazy.”
“In case you haven’t noticed, normal people don’t fake their own death or set fire to their family’s buildings. Anne is by far the most extreme Motlander I’ve ever met and that says a lot since I’m married to Ema.” Hunter’s hands flicked between my sisters. “You two don’t take shit from anyone and I respect that.”
