Greatfall: A Silo Novel by Jason Gurley
Author:Jason Gurley [Gurley, Jason]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2018-07-24T05:00:00+00:00
Matthew is waiting when Isaac enters the library in the morning. The nightmare of the night before, and Matthew's terrifying appearance in Isaac's room, has left the boy shaken.
"You don't look so good," Matthew says. "Have you eaten?"
Isaac, dazed, looks up at Matthew. He shakes his head weakly.
"Oh, that's right," Matthew says, snapping his fingers. "I'm supposed to bring you breakfast, aren't I."
Isaac just stares at the man blankly.
"Well, I'll need to work on that, then," Matthew sneers. "So I'll tell you what. We'll make a deal, Isaac. You bury yourself in the things you're here to learn -- learn them as if they were a new language -- and not only will your family be safe, I'll begin to address you with the respect due your position."
"My position," Isaac repeats.
"Wise Father is probably the sweetest gig in the entire silo," Matthew says. "You command respect and loyalty. You pass judgment on everybody else. Your words are passed down from floor to floor and absorbed by every believer. You have an assistant who waits on you hand and foot. You're permitted certain indulgences that the others aren't. Sounds good, right?"
Isaac doesn't answer. His robe hangs on him like a sack, and he looks smaller than he did the day before, standing at the bench, addressing the court with his newfound courage.
"That's because it is good," Matthew says, gripping Isaac's chin and lifting it. "And all of that is yours as soon as you play your fucking part."
Matthew's fingers are strong, and pain pounds in Isaac's jaw.
"Understand?" Matthew asks.
Isaac nods, not without some effort. "I understand," he mumbles.
"I couldn't hear you," Matthew says, squeezing Isaac's face harder.
Isaac winces. "I UNDERSTAND!"
Matthew releases Isaac's face, then grins and claps his hands together. "Excellent. Would you like some breakfast, Father?"
Isaac can only nod.
Matthew puts his hand on the boy's shoulder and steers him to a chair, then puts a book in his hand.
"Start reading," he says. "Do you have any preferences for breakfast?"
Isaac looks up from the chair blankly. "Preferences?"
"That's right," Matthew says. "You're used to the same old meal every morning. I'd forgotten. Well, that's another perk of your new role, Isa -- Father. Your predecessor preferred poached eggs and toast. What would you prefer?"
"Eggs?" Isaac asks. He feels as if he's entered some alternate reality.
"How about I bring you poached eggs and toast today," Matthew says. "And we can try something a little different every day until you figure out what you like."
Isaac nods again. "Okay?"
"Okay," Matthew says. He goes to the door, then turns back. "It's a new world, Isaac. Once you get your bearings, you'll come to appreciate everything you've been granted."
Isaac nods once more.
"Be right back with your breakfast," Matthew chirps.
The door closes behind him.
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