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“Dead. The world is a dead place, and we’re lucky enough to be safe within these walls. I didn’t always see it that way, but I do now.”
“Did you see dad while you were out? Is he coming to stay here?”
My gut roils as anxiety takes hold. I don’t want to lie to Maisy, but the truth would kill her. Maybe somewhere in between is what’s best for now.
“Dad isn’t coming here. In fact, there’s a good chance he’s dead.”
She looks away, far off into the distance to the cows grazing.
“I’m sorry, Maze.”
“It’s okay. I’d figured as much.”
“Did you?”
“He wasn’t like he was before, and he only got worse after you were gone. He was barely bringing back any food.”
“I’m sorry it took so long for me to come get you.”
“I don’t understand why you didn’t come back sooner?” Her hands ball into fists. “We thought you were dead. And don’t tell me you didn’t trust the people here.”
“I encountered others before the Keep took me in,” I blurt out.
“Oh…”
“They weren’t good people, and it made me scared. I’d seen terrible things out on the streets above. It took me a while to get my head together, and when I did, you were my first priority.”
“I’m sorry…I just—”
“Don’t ever be sorry, Maze. You didn’t ask for any of this. I can only hope that I’m making things right and that you like it here.”
“I do, but sometimes I wish I was back with dad.”
“You miss him?”
“No, that’s not it. I feel guilty.” Her face contorts, looking pained. “I know you’re probably upset I decided not to move in with you, but sometimes when I look at you, you remind me of her. Of mom. Of our old life.”
I place my hand over hers and give it a squeeze. “I understand because I feel that way too, but I want to remember. Let’s never forget mom and dad before the world fell.”
She nods. “I like Alistair, but is it true what he is to you?”
My heart stops for a beat. I guess it makes sense that she’s pieced the situation together. She’s always been smart.
I exhale a breath, hating that I have to tell my sister how far we’ve fallen in this world.
“The men here have a very important mission, and that’s to make sure mankind survives.”
“So you’re making babies?”
“Some are, yes. Not everyone has to.”
“Will it always be like this?”
“I don’t know what the future will be like. All I can tell you is that down here is better than being topside.”
“I don’t ever want a Keeper!”
I give her a soft smile. “I’ll make sure you never have to have one.”
