Page 98 of Gideon

“That’s a good way to put it.”

“But there’s no point picking it apart. We’re still moving forward, right?”

“I know I am.”

“Then we should get going.”

She headed for the stage to get everyone rounded up, but Gideon followed to stop her. The joked he’d made about lowering the numbers further was now an urge he couldn’t ignore any longer. He’d been waiting for clarity on anything, but when he got it, he didn’t want it anymore.

“Let me,” he said.

“Sure.”

He walked up onto the stage and braced himself. It had been as clear as when he’d known he had to cut down the totem poles, and it made him a little sick.

He glanced at Nikki before addressing the room. “Can I have everyone’s attention?”

Everyone settled, and he shifted from one foot to the other, unsure how to say what he had to say.

“So, uh…I want to make sure everyone is hydrated before we go. If you could all go to the water cooler and get a drink, that would be great.”

Nikki gave him an odd look, and he offered a lopsided smile.

“What if we brought a water bottle?” Ty said.

“Make sure it’s full.”

Ty nodded and got in line with the rest.

“How long do you expect us to be out there tonight?” Nikki whispered. “Did I miss something?”

“Hydration is important.”

“I agree, but I could have told everyone to get a drink.”

“This isn’t about water.”

“It’s not?”

“No. God asked me to do it.”

“God did.”

“Yeah. There are still too many.”

“Too many what?”

“People.”

“Are you kidding me? I thought you were joking before.”

“I was. Not anymore.”

“What does getting a drink have to do with numbers?”

“I know this is hard. It’s strange, and I don’t really get it myself, but I’m trying to be obedient.”

“And you believe God told you there’s still too many of us?”

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