Chaos

"I don't think that's a priority of his right now."

"He wouldn't let you die. That would violate The Way."

"What about Helena?"

"She's still asleep, but I think she'll be fine. Her cuts aren't as deep as yours."

"Lucky for her." Samantha took a deep breath that brought on a fresh surge of pain. "Have you tried banging on the door and screaming for help?"

"I wouldn't want to upset the others," Prudence said. She looked down at Samantha and then added, "But I can try." She went to the window and beat against the boards. "Hello? Can anyone hear me? Help us, please! People are sick in here. We need medicine. Hello?"

The only answer came in the form of a dog growling. "We're all going to die!" Annie said.

"I don't want to die!" Rebecca howled.

"No one is going to die," Samantha said. "We have to be patient. Reverend Crane will be here eventually."

"Of course he will," Prudence said with false confidence. "There's nothing to worry about. Why don't you girls tidy everything up so when he does come it doesn't look like a pigsty?" The girls didn't look convinced, but did as they were told, leaving Samantha and Prudence alone.

"What else can we do?" Prudence asked.

"Nothing. Try to keep everyone calm until he comes." Prudence said something else, but Samantha didn't hear her. She fell asleep then, lapsing into a vivid dream.