Louise Marley

I look out over the cramped square and see that Keisha has put everyone in order. I count, to be certain they are all there.

They are. Thirteen women. Mothers.

Central made a gross error, of course. If they had only called a few of our children, or even half of them, this would probably not have happened. Those whose children were safe would not have risked themselves. Those who managed to have their children left off the list through influence, or bribery, or threats, or any of the things wealthy and educated and powerful people come up with, would never have come out to stand exposed in the square in the early morning. They would have no need. But this is 78th Grange, and there is no power or wealth here. Central called all of them, every child of 78th Grange who was recruitment age. My own Carly had just reached it. We celebrated her eleventh birthday two months ago. --"Absalom's Mother," from Absalom's Mother & Other Stories