Free ASCENSION by EJ Wallace Page B

scent.
                  “Good morning,” Mary said with a huff, setting down her pails of water on the kitchen table.
                  “What are those for?” Sophie asked, confused.
                  “Breakfast,” Mary said, taking off her gloves and rubbing her hands together.
                  “Do the faucets not work?”
                  Mary shook her head. “No, they work. We just don't drink out of them. Dad doesn't trust city water. Says they put too many additives in it. We only use city water for showers and to wash dishes. We don't drink it or put it in our food,” Mary explained.
                  “Why don't you just boil the water? If you're afraid of impurities,” Sophie asked.
                  Mary shook her head. “Boiling it gets rid of germs, but not the chemicals, that's what he's more concerned with. So we get out own water, from the well. Our own food, too. Everything we put in our bodies comes from this farm, everything,” Mary said.
                  Sophie nodded. “Well, what do you eat around here, and how? I checked every cabinet and refrigerator, there was nothing.”
                  Mary gave her a strange look. “We make it ourselves...” Mary said, as if it was obvious. “I'm actually making breakfast now, do you want to help?” she asked hopefully, her eyes going wide and glittery. Sophie could never have told her no, even if she wanted to.
                  “Of course. What do you need help with? I can boil water, and once I made an omelet, well kind of. I microwaved an omelet I got out of a hotel vending machine,” Sophie admitted with a wry smile.
                  Mary laughed. “This is going to be harder than I thought. Well, we are going to make pancakes and eggs, my dad's favorite. Have you ever made pancakes before?”
                  Sophie shook her head. “No. But how can you make pancakes? I didn't see any pancake mix in the cabinets.”
                  Mary laughed. “Come on, I'll show you. Oh, and you might want to put a coat on.”
                  “A coat. Are we picking up some pancakes from the store? Because I don't have a license and you're too young to drive,” Sophie said.
                  Mary rolled her eyes. “Just come on.”
                  Sophie followed Mary outside. It was snowing, but strangely warm. The air was still, insulated by the fresh snow. There was no wind, and the sun's rays leaked through the cloud cover just enough for Sophie to feel it on her face.
                  The two made their way to the barn. When Mary opened the door, Sophie heard the sounds of thumping, followed by grunts and heavy breathing.
                  “Is that what I think it is?” Sophie asked.
                  Mary rolled her eyes. “Yes, Zack slamming his head against the walls again. That's all he ever does anymore. Instead of HELPING ME AROUND THE HOUSE!” Mary yelled the last part of her sentence, trying to get Zack's attention.
                  Zack was coated in sweat, glistening. He stopped hitting the punching bag and turned to Mary. “What?” he asked.
                  “Oh nothing,” Mary said, her tone pointed, like a dagger. “Sophie and I are just making breakfast. You know, the breakfast you are going to eat later, even though you didn't help make ANY OF IT.”
                  “I don't have time for that. Besides, cooking is a woman's work,” Zack said, then went back to hitting the punching bag.”
                  Mary shook her head and looked at Sophie. “Are all boys this stupid?”
                  Sophie smiled and nodded. “Pretty much.”
                  “Here,” Mary said, after rummaging through some things in the corner. She handed