Page 59 of Into the Mist

“Of course,” said Stella.

“I’m impressed,” Imani bowed from where she sat beside Jenny on the second queen bed.

“Me too,” chimed in Mercury. “I think we should lower the drinking age in our new world.”

“I vote yes for that.” Gemma grimaced after she took a sip. “Though red wine does take some major getting used to.”

“Keep working on it. You’re a fast learner,” laughed Stella.

“Will do.” Gemma took another small sip, this time without grimacing. “So, who all’s leaving in the morning?”

“We were just getting to that,” said Mercury. “The three housekeepers, Mary, Rachel, and Veronica caught me right after dinner. They’ve decided to stay.”

“So has Tyler,” said Jenny.

“Okay, so, right now it’s Mercury, Imani, and me leaving.” Stella swirled her wine. “What about you three? Coming or staying?”

“I’ve been thinking about it a lot,” Gemma said. “I know I could stay here and learn a lot from Doc Hilary. Plus, there is a small chance my mom might actually come back here.” She sighed and then shook her head. “But I don’t really believe that. I don’t think she’ll want to live without my dad; she’ll just give up.” Gemma blinked rapidly and continued. “I want to go with you. You make me feel like I have a family.”

Imani reached over and squeezed the teenager’s hand. “You do. We’re your family. I’m glad you’re coming with us.”

“We all are, kid,” said Stella.

Jenny cleared her throat before she spoke. “Mercury, you know I love you, right?”

“Well, yeah. Love you too.”

“Which makes this really hard for me to say, but I don’t want to leave,” Jenny finished in a rush.

Mercury’s insides constricted. She’d assumed Jenny would go with them. Jenny had been her intern, and then her colleague and friend. She automatically opened her mouth to talk her out of it—or at the very least to ask her to reconsider—but Stella’s hand touched her leg. Without looking at Mercury, Stella shook her head quickly and subtly. Mercury bit her lip and rearranged her thoughts.

“Please don’t be mad.” Jenny sounded so damn young.

“Oh, honey!” Mercury leaned forward and touched Jenny’s cheek gently, like a mother would. “I’m not mad at you. I’ll miss you, though.”

Jenny squeezed her hand and sniffled, wiping away an escaping tear. “Me too.”

“Why do you want to stay?” Gemma asked.

“Well, I don’t have magic blood, but I do have a master’s in botany. They’re going to need someone who knows plants to tend to and harvest what they grow. But, um, the biggest reason is something I’m not proud of.” She sighed before she continued. “I’m scared of what’s out there. I know it’s probably delusional to think that we’re actually safe up here, but itfeelssafe, and right now I need that feeling.” Her gaze lifted to meet Mercury’s. “I hope you’re not too disappointed in me.”

“I’m not disappointed in you at all, and I understand completely,” said Mercury quickly.

“Plus, you’re right,” said Stella as she saluted her with her wineglass. “Just because our blood makes veggies sprout doesn’t meanthey can stick them in dirt and expect them to grow. The people here need you.”

“I’m scared of what’s out there too,” said Karen softly as she stared into her wineglass. “But I would like to come with you.”

Mercury was as shocked at Karen’s desire to leave as she had been surprised that Jenny wanted to stay. “It’s going to be dangerous.”

Karen nodded. “I know. That’s why I’m afraid. And I’ll understand if you don’t want me to come with you.”

“Why do you want to leave?” asked Stella.

“I want to be part of the new world, and I believe that means I need to go with you.” She lifted her shoulders and let them drop. “It’s as simple as that.”

Stella turned to Mercury. “It’s your decision.”

Mercury sputtered mid-sip of the excellent red and almost snorted it out of her nose. She swallowed quickly and stared at her best friend, “Mine? Why mine?”