"What's wrong?"
"I can't read anymore right now. Maybe later." Prudence picked the book up from the ground and tucked it back into Samantha's apron. Then Prudence put an arm around her, hugging her close. "Why can't I remember?"
"I don't know." They remained like that until the candle burned out. Prudence got up and lit another one. "Miss Brigham told us-"
"She lied, Prudence. She's been lying to you all along. There aren't savages and monsters waiting to eat you. There's a wonderful world they've never told you about."
"But why?"
"I don't know."
"You're wrong! Miss Brigham and Reverend Crane wouldn't lie to us. They love us. They take care of us."
"You take care of yourselves." Samantha motioned to the loom. "You do all the sewing. Phyllis does the cooking. The boys harvest the crops and tend to the livestock. The reverend and Miss Brigham don't do anything."
They glared at each other for a moment and then Prudence motioned to the door. "I won't have you saying such wicked things in here. Get out!"
"Fine." Samantha stormed out the door, slamming it behind her. She waited at the doorway for a minute to see if Prudence would let her back in, but she didn't. I don't need her anyway, Samantha thought. She would figure this out on her own and then she would find that magical city where her family waited.