Page 24 of The Sixth Fraction

Pretend. I look around, like I’m surprised to find myself inside the Memory Vault.

“Thank you for offering your memory, Beatrice.” If I didn’t know what had just happened between us, I wouldn’t see a hint of it in his face. “Can you tell me exactly what happened after you got out of the Hall of Factions on the night of the Choosing Ceremony attack, so I can note it in our records?”

Trust me, he said, and I did.

I stare at him.

“I . . .” Pretend, I tell myself again. My heart is racing. “It all happened so fast. I was in the courtyard and then—I was in front of the Hall. Caleb found me. He told me about Robert.”

My father nods, and I could be imagining the relief I see in his eyes . . . but maybe not.

“Sometimes in moments of stress, things seem to move very quickly,” he says. “I think that’s all we need from you, Beatrice. Once you leave this room, your vow of silence will be back in effect. So is there anything else you’d like to say?”

There are so many things I’d like to say. Why is Evelyn Eaton alive? and Why did you want me to forget her? and How could you do this to your own daughter? All the curiosity and demand are scorching me from within.

I shake my head. I force a smile and get to my feet. My father leads me to the door.

“Oh, I keep meaning to ask you,” he says, casual. “Have you ever been to the reading room on the third floor?”

“Reading room?” I think of the photograph I saw there, Marcus with his hand on his young son’s shoulder, his sharp-eyed wife at his side. “What kind of reading?”

He smiles that secret little smile that I used to think was just for him and me. The same one he wore when he told me I inherited my inability to shut my mouth from him, like he was proud.

“Nothing that interesting. But it’s a good place for quiet contemplation, if you find yourself in need of one,” he says.

My hands are numb.

All I can do is marvel at how good an actor he is. He sounds so casual. Casually mentioning the reading room where I saw a picture of Evelyn Eaton. Casually touching my shoulder to usher me out of the Memory Vault.

Casually erasing my memory.

Chapter 11

Beatrice

I’m supposed to go to the donation center now, but my feet take me back to the dormitory.

You want me to give those memories to the vault, I said to him.

In a sense, he replied.

I guess it wasn’t a lie.

Eleanor is waiting in the dormitory. All the beds in the dormitory are made with corners, like our Abnegation parents taught us. Susan’s needlepoint rests on her pillow, with the needle tucked into it, holding her place. Constance’s calendar is on the wall, the first half of the week crossed off. Just three and a half weeks left and then we’ll all be free to speak again.

As long as we speak carefully.

Who would I tell, if I saw something strange?

You can always talk to me.

“Abigail Baker told me you had to give testimony about the Choosing Ceremony.” She frowns. “I’m sure that was difficult. Do you need some time?”

I force myself to focus. I nod.

She touches my elbow. “Get some rest, and join your fellow initiates this afternoon. Okay?”

I’m glad all I have to do is nod. If I had to speak, I’m worried I would open my mouth and the whole truth would come spilling out. Evelyn Eaton is alive, and the Abnegation leaders don’t want anyone to know, even though she was with the people who killed Robert.