Page 37 of Born Savage

“Different how?”

“As if searching your past for an answer that you’re afraid to discover. But there is a difference in the light in your eyes. Maybe one day you’ll make peace with who you are.” He wasn’t the only member to have cryptic words.

His words struck me differently than they would have only a day before. “You’re very astute, Stan, but in this case, I’m simply worried about Mama. I found drugs I hope will help. Others as well for everyone.”

The look of relief on his face wasn’t surprising. Medication was worth its weight in gold.

I took Wren’s hand, pulling her down one of the corridors. “Come on, Wren. You’ll get to meet my mother and father. I’m not even certain if you know what that means. They are very special. They raised me and are considered family.” She walked beside me, able to keep pace. I could tell she was listening yet as of now, she’d said almost nothing.

But her love of Jake was growing exponentially. I was so glad she had him. And relieved that she’d felt better this morning. I’d begun to think Rage had been correct in his assumptions.

I’d heard stories about healers, individuals gifted with the ability to help heal someone. Seeing how she’d reacted to the gash Rage had obtained both before and after her touch had shocked me.

I couldn’t allow her to drain her life’s force on healing a Savage. Somehow, I’d need to explain the difference.

Was that wrong of me? Was that a horrible thing to do?

Rage hadn’t been anything like the creatures I’d been warned about. Including from Peter. He’d mentioned most had gone rogue, their programming ceasing to work sometime in the years following the experiments they’d endured.

Without too many details, he’d simply told me most were dangerous.

Now I wondered if his choice of words had been planned as everything else about the man.

Others passed in the hallway, chatting about whatever and it struck me how very normal it seemed. As if their world hadn’t collapsed. Maybe it was true that the strongest survived, even learning to live against all odds.

I don’t know why my thoughts had pulled me in such a direction. My mother used to warn me against becoming morbid even as a young child. I’d been forced to look up the definition.

As soon as we approached the room, I realized seeing my mother in her condition could easily frighten Wren.

“Star,” Maggie said as she approached. “Did you find some medications?”

“So many I wished I could have brought them all with me. From what I read, there are several that could help with Mother’s cancer. How is she?”

Maggie had often reminded me that there were some diseases that couldn’t be cured, many making a comeback after the Great War. The expression she wore was another reminder that this was one of them. “She’s stable. She had a difficult night but is resting. I’ll take the bag for you and we can discuss options later.”

“Thank you.” I waited until she’d walked away before turning toward Wren. She deserved to know what was going on.

Once down at her level, I took her hand into mine. Her skin was so warm, comforting in a way that didn’t make any sense. Wren’s face was suddenly pressed against mine. The action was meant as comfort. I sensed her questions.

“My mother is sick. Her appearance might frighten you. Since we don’t have access to a doctor, I’m not one hundred percent certain my diagnosis is correct, but I believe she has a disease that is crippling. However, it’s not contagious. Meaning you can’t get what she has just by being near her or touching her. However, it is not your place to try and heal her. You can’t, Wren. What she has is terminal.”

She placed her hand on my shoulder, squeezing. Was the child trying to comfort me?

“Everyone dies.”

Wren’s two words struck me so hard tears immediately formed, so forceful and my emotions were so heavy.

The way her eyes opened wide reminded me that she was just a child and while she’d obviously seen some horrible things, I couldn’t blame her for being pragmatic.

“You’re right. I guess I just want more time with her. That’s selfish.”

“You love her.”

“Yes, I do. Very much.”

“In heaven there’s no pain, only joy.”

The words struck me strangely on two levels, not only because Wren had spoken, but because I’d heard something similar before. Where?