The Fountain

"The Fountain of Youth," Samantha repeated. "So that's how you've been doing it. That's what happened to the children in the dining room. You put this water in the gruel."

"Of course, my child."

"Is that how you erased their memories? How you erased my memory?" Samantha asked.

"The fountain only affects the body. The mind requires a chemical Mr. Pryde acquired from the savages. Even they can serve the Lord's purposes from time to time."

"Why?" Prudence asked. "Why would you do this?"

"How else could I keep all of you in check? As adults you could rise up and resume your heathen ways. As children, I am free to mold you in His image. I am able to make certain you follow The Way."

"But what about our parents? What did you do to them?"

Reverend Crane snorted. "There were no parents. They died long before you ever came to this place."

"We were grownups?" Prudence held her hands up to her face as if trying to imagine them as a woman's hands. The reverend came over to pat her shoulder.

"Prudence, I did it to save your soul. You were all bound for Hell. I had no choice but to take this dramatic step."

"But, you lied to us. You told us a lie-any lie-is wrong. You said lies violate The Way."

"I am sorry, my child, but I had to protect you. I didn't have the heart to tell you about your parents. I wanted to spare you that pain," Reverend Crane said.