Faith woke up to see her dad sober; this was something she hadn’t seen in a long time. He acknowledged her, unlike usual and did so much as say goodbye to her on that Tuesday as she headed to school. This act would have been deeply appreciated by Faith only a couple days ago, but since she met Willow and her mom, this irritated her. “All he does is make everyone fall into his little plans, so he has all the power,” Faith muttered, “but I won’t fall for it this time.” Sure enough, after Faith arrived home from another long and lonely day of school, her dad lay drunk on the floor, incapable of movement. Guess this morning I was just lucky to find him one of the hours he wasn’t drunk Faith thought. Happy her dad was distracted, Faith called one of her dad’s butlers to bring her an assortment of foods. “I am extra hungry today,” she claimed. Francisco, one of the servants opened the door a few minutes later to hand Faith a mini feast. “Thank you!” Faith exclaimed as Francisco left Robert’s office. “This is perfect!” Faith whispered after the butler closed the door quietly.

The tray held multiple plates of cheese: cheddar, Swiss, mozzarella with rei bread to go with it. There were pickles and capers, plus butter, cantaloupe, watermelon, melon, grapes, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries and a pitcher of lemonade. Faith opened the Dictator’s office door and peeked to see the coast clear. Faith carefully walked the ginormous batch of food down the red carpet until she reached the familiar cobblestone steps leading down to the prison. She walked down the steps and carried her feet while being careful not to leave any evidence behind until she saw the first jail cell. Willow and her mom came into view.

“My goodness!” both of them said.

“I told you I would be back,” Faith said, “now they haven’t killed you yet, so how are they feeding Y'all?” Faith asked.

“They typically throw bits of bread through the bars now and then,” Willow said. Faith became concerned that she could get caught by one of the feeding guards. “Don’t worry,” Willow reacted while pointing towards the small windows in the wall, “they always feed us at night.” Faith relaxed.

“I don’t think the motion detectors go off unless it is a big movement,” Willow’s mom answered wisely. Taking a chance, Faith held her breath while she chucked a piece of cheese at Willow. The sensor didn’t do so much as blink, so Faith threw a piece of cheese to each prisoner as they ate gratefully. Next, she distributed the bread, pickles and capers, packs of butter, fruit, and lemonade by throwing and sliding the food under and in between the cell bars. Watching the starved prisoners thankfully eat their food Faith didn’t say a word. She never realized how precious food could be growing up in Melior. Willow gestured for her to have some food, but Faith denied. “I can have some anytime,” she said. After everyone had eaten the thanks were handed out to Faith graciously, and small talk started. Every prisoner had their own sad story to tell. Many hadn’t had kids with their assigned spouse in three years, and that was why they ended up in jail, while others started rebellions themselves. One woman was caught seeing another man (who she was in love with) instead of her assigned husband. Another one of the prisoners was found trying to flee. A connection was created, intertwined with trust. Faith was seen as a friend, even a lifesaver who would help the prisoners.

“You don’t know how lucky we are to have you, Faith,” Willow said.

“You have waited too long,” Faith replied coolly.

“An angel’s timing is always perfect,” Willow breathed, “you have saved us.”