Conversation in the farmhouse was subdued. Warren cast a glance at the rooster clock on the kitchen wall. His eyes darted back to Jason, kneeling in the living room, and Marlene, sitting in a lotus position in front of Jason. His eyes went back to the clock and he realized only seconds had passed. He picked up the dice, shook them and cast them on the game board. They came up four-six.
“Ten, Warren. From one railroad to the next,” Ash said with a quiet laugh.
Warren sighed and passed her the rent. “You don't own them all, Ash.”
“Only because I managed to get the Short Line, Warren,” Beth said.
“Just wait, Beth,” Ash said. “You land somewhere pricey and I'll be getting that monopoly for cheap.”
Jennie took a cucumber spear from the vegetable tray. “How much longer do you think?” Her, Trese and Dani were playing cards at the other end of the table.
Warren couldn't help it. His eyes went to the clock one more time. “As long as it takes, Sis.”
“It's been...”
“Three hours, fourteen minutes, and forty-eight seconds since they sat down.” In that time Marlene had giggled, cried, laughed, and cried some more. Her back was to Warren, but he knew her makeup had run streaks down from her eyes.
Kris sat across from Angelique with the meditating pair between them. Angelique sat cross-legged on the couch with her eyes closed. Kris started to say something when Angelique said, “They're fine, Doctor.” Kris sighed.
Slowly Jason removed his hand from Marlene's. Just as slowly, he stood with his eyes closed and turned towards the door.
“Jase?” Warren called to him. He stepped towards the door and stumbled, knocking a lamp off an end table. Warren caught it before it hit the floor. “Jase?” Jason righted himself, but did not answer. His fist tightened. He took a few steps towards the door and opened his eyes. Power danced there. The others saw it reflected on the screen door before he opened it and stepped out into the night.
Marlene sat motionless for a few moments before she drew her knees up, wrapped her arms around them, and buried her face to cry.