After finding those vinyl records in the barn, Milly sidled up to Stepmother at the kitchen sink.
“How did you come to marry Father?”
“An odd question.” Stepmother toweled a fork. “He chose me.”
“Do you love him?”
“Of course! He’s the most powerful man I’ve ever known.”
“Where’d he find you?”
“I’d just recently arrived, following his teachings. So, after …”
“Did you know her?”
“Not well. Your mother was quiet. Kept to herself, like you. I think she was — troubled.”
“What was her name?”
“You know we can’t say. But I only saw it once. I honestly don’t remember.”
“Where was she from?”
“Los Angeles, I believe, arrived with the first refugees. That’s all I know. Ask Father.”
“You know how he is.”
“Busy,” they both said.
“Mildred, these are grown-up questions. I know we’ve never been super close, but”—Stepmother smiled—“I’m here. Do you have any other questions?”
Stepmother was trying.
Milly nodded sheepishly. “What are bangles? I couldn’t find them in the dictionary.”
The—Bangles: musicians, vinyl.
Eyes wide, Stepmother whispered, “Mildred, bangles are for the wrist. Jewelry is forbidden. Who told you about this?”
She didn’t answer.
Stepmother had tried building trust. But loyalty to Father was paramount.
Milly sat, sweating, bouncing her foot on the floor, outside Father’s office. It was doubtful she could’ve heard them inside.
“Are you sure?” Stepmother asked.
“Yes,” Father said. “I don’t know, kids talk. Recheck the books in the school. Just tell Mildred never to repeat it and not to ask so many questions.”
“Father, do you think she’s going to be OK, alone, out there?”
Even his wife called him Father.
He glared.
Stepmother dipped her head. “I mean, I know it’s not allowed to mix the girls and boys, so that she will remain chaste, but …”
“That’s why she has her rifle. For animals”—Father sneered—“of any species.”
Closing his door behind her, Stepmother emerged. “It seems today, Mildred, Father is merciful — and you are blessed.”
Milly sighed in relief, spared his wrath.
That was a valuable lesson for Milly.
Numbness was a blessing observing such moments — or Ethan’s mother.