“I know.”“I’m suppose to tell you.”She nodded and looked worried.“Would you stand please,” I said calmly, “and take off all your cloth...s.”Her eyes widened, but she stood and turned her back to me.“No, no,” I said rather coldly. “Modesty will not do. And do it gracefully, if you please, with style.”She made a face, turned sideways, working on her fancy bodice with its many bows, puffy sleeves, gobs of lace and ribbons galore. When she finally shrugged out of it and discarded two flimsy. It was a long walk back to the village and as she got to the outskirts she wondered how she was going to convince the village elders to stop the Lottery. It had been in place for longer than anyone knew and it was ordained by the gods of Mount Olympus themselves. But she had to try. She had to do what she could to save the other girls.As she got into town the news that she was alive and had returned had the whole village in an uproar. She made her way back to her old house followed by a throng. You could be fertile..." You pays your money and you takes your chances," she singsonged in a parody of something that Fred didn't pick up on. "And you damn sure paid enough on this body," she laughed as Audrey took the hair dryer from her and began helping to dry her hair.Fred gave up trying to talk over the whine of the dryer, and went looking for some coffee at the nurses' station. The women looked at each other and laughed.Ellen and Barbara (the General's wives) had tried to help with. Just like you are, I guess. I feel on cloud nine, watching you. But I’m afraid. Afraid after what happened with Chris.”I paused and Jill and I shared a moment. Our eyes locked together, two souls locked together considering and trying to decide on life-changing events.“Honey, I trust you. And I can see how much you want this. Last time, despite everything, you came back to me. And last time you made me a promise. Make me the same promise and I’ll let you do whatever you want with Josh and.