Nathan took it with both hands.

Sasha’s eyes filled, though she kept her composure. “Thank you,” she said.

Jack straightened slowly and looked toward the rain-streaked street before speaking again. “I don’t agree with everything Samuel believes,” he said. “But I know this much. If they’re treating people like criminals for worshipping God, something is wrong with the whole world.”

Elena quietly made room for him by the heater.

For a little while, they were simply people in one house while a broken system shook outside.