Chapter 272

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Although Eve mourned Julia's death, and feared for her soul, she had to move on. The guards who took Julia's body didn't ask about Teri, particularly when Eve gave Teri credit for the tomatoes. Eve also gave these guards Julia's ciggarettes, Teri didn't smoke, and Eve knew she shouldn't in her condition. Eve continued her work. With Wilkins' help she brought extra rations to the refugees, and protected Teri personally. Eve bribed the sector guards with money from her account. A few, also wanted Eve's body. She gave this to them, if they promised to be gentle, for the baby's sake. As much as Eve hated herself for this, it was the only way to protect the refugees. There was barely a month until the first lottery drawing. Everyone chosen would have to live with survivor guilt for the rest of their lives. Eve would have more guilt than some. She found herself almost looking forward to July 20th. If it was just her, but it wasn't. Eve had responsibilities, to Teri, to her baby. Eve would not let them down.

On Sunday December 2nd Eve was attending Jenkins' church. The reverand told a parable that Eve vaguely remembered.

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Jenkins: One morning a wealthy man went to the village marketplace. He said to all the men "I need some men to work in my field for the day I'll pay you each one gold coin." Some said "I don't want to" but others went with him. Around noon the man came back, and said he needed some more workers. Some changed their minds and went with him, but others still refused to go. In the late afternoon the wealthy man returned one last time with the offer. Some refused their final chance, but some took advantage and went to work in the fields. After the final group had been working for about an hour, the wealthy man said the work was done, time for him to pay up. He first paid those who'd worked for an hour, and gave them each a gold coin. Those who'd worked all day said among themselves "If they get a coin for working an hour, imagine what we'll get." Then the man paid those who'd worked half the day, and gave each of them a gold coin. Then he paid those who'd been working all day, and gave them each one gold coin. Some asked "Why? We worked in your field all day, you didn't give us anymore than the lazy ones who only worked for one hour." He responded "I promised you a gold coin for your work. I have given what I promised for your service. What's the problem?" This wealthy man might seem like a poor businessman. But he is honest, giving exactly what was promised to those who served him. This is just what God had promised us. The reward for those who've served him their entire life is the same for those who serve him for an hour at the end. If you haven't yet accepted Christ's gift of salvation I would not wait too long, especially now. You can get saved on your deathbed, but none of us are guaranteed a deathbed these days. The gift is yours for the sking, you need only serve Christ. As long as you are alive on this planet, it is not too late.

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Whe Eve left the church on this Sunday Jamal was waiting outside for her.

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Eve: Hey Jamal, didn't want to come in?

Jamal: No, I was born a muslim. I did briefly attend church after 2/4, but I'll stick with islam.

Eve: Fair enough. I do wish I had an assurance of getting into Heaven.

Jamal: You're leading a moral life, all things considered. Allah knows your risk.

Eve: I hope so.

Jamal: Listen, I was going to go to the football game today. Would you like to come?

Eve: You mean, on a date?

Jamal: Yes. If you don't like football, we could see a movie or something.

Eve: I don't know. I'm a mess, a murderer, I'm pregnant and have no idea who the father is. With 231 days until impact, this isn't a great time to start a relationship.

Jamal: I understand, but I had to try.