The man holds her head to his chest. “Sshh, it is ok. Everything will be alright.” He rocks her back and forth.
The woman looks up at him, wailing through sobs. “I want her back, Jonam! My daughter is gone, and I want her back!” She clings to Jonam’s tunic with both hands, squeezing, and pulls the fabric until her knuckles show white.
Jonam puts her head back to his chest. “It’s only been a week. She will come back to you.” Hand buried in her hair, he kisses the top of her head, keeping his lips against her.
Sarah leans in, raising her eyebrows, and whispers. “Peter, did you hear that?” She nods, looking behind him, and bites her lower lip.
Peter sighs and puts his hands in his lap. “Yea, seems you’re not the only maiden chosen to die.” He looks at the table, then at Sarah. “I’ve been
