There was a team of people inside the room. Two of them had already pulled her dad’s jacket from his shoulders, when he said, “Surely she can stay with me.”

Lettie held a hand up and said, “You’ve not much time, Professor Hyarzden. Your daughter will be waiting at the table for you. We’ll see you soon. Ayn, follow me, please.”

“I’m fine, Dad.” Ayn flashed her best smile, as the door slid closed with a soft thunk. It was sinking in that she had no idea what their lives were going to be like. Why couldn’t she be in the room? What were they hiding?

Lettie was walking down the hallway, her heels clicking a fast beat against the floor. “Keep up, Ayn,” she said without looking back.