Schizogenesis [chapter 26]

Ming reattached the piece Dave discovered then wrapped the machine with the blanket Tina had put the piece in. Ed and Dave lifted the machine on top of the station wagon. Both ends were uncovered, but no one would know what the object was.

Ed and Dora ran to the barn for rope to tie down the machine.

Ming and Mia jumped into the back seat of the station wagon as Dave started the engine and turned on the heater. When the windshield fogged over, he switched the control lever to defrost. They sat in silence, the rain increasing its tempo on the rooftop, waiting for Ed and Dora’s return.

They reached the barn and stood just inside, dripping on the packed-earth floor. Dora looked around in awe.

“Ed?” Dora said in a puzzled tone. “Where did this all come from?” She pointed at the nearest corner. “Isn’t that our old furniture?”

“Yes,” he said, leading her toward the stairs. “This is where I lived when I was born. When Mom got sick, we moved into town to be closer to the hospital, but they never sold our home here. I used to hike out here to get away from the pain of watching her die. I guess I just wanted to keep it to myself.”

Dora turned in a circle, looking at the piles around her.