The Return by Jennifer Torres Read Free Book Online Page A

say his good-byes, too.
    â€œJust remember, we’re coming back for them,” he said trying to offer reassurance. “The ship can only accommodate a certain amount at one time.”
    Mr. Kull came out to join the group.
    â€œShe’s sleeping comfortably,” he said.
    Tim walked past him and into the room where she lay. He sat on the bed beside her.
    â€œI thought I loved you,” he whispered. “But I guess it wasn’t real.”
    Then, he gently touched her face with his hand, brushing away a small amount of hair from her eyes.
    â€œGood-bye, Nina.”
    Rusty called out from the other room.
    â€œTime to go.”
    â€¢â€¢â€¢â€¢â€¢
    It felt good to be outside.
    Canary had been cooped up in the white room for two weeks without a whiff of fresh air. He watched as the red and purple trees swayed in the warm breeze.
    The large guard didn’t say much as he paced back and forth.
    Then he heard it.
    The twisting of metal as the lid was removed from its placement underneath the brush.
    â€œYour ride’s here,” said the guard. “I can only keep them off you for about an hour before they find out you’re gone, and by that time, I’ll be gone, too.”
    Canary bowed his head in thanks to the burly guard and lowered himself into the tunnel where Mr. Kull was waiting.
    â€œI never thought I’d be so happy to see your sour, wrinkled face,” Canary said.
    The comment actually made Kull smile.
    â€¢â€¢â€¢â€¢â€¢
    After dressing themselves in disguise to avoid being recognized, Rusty led the group through the tunnel toward the entrance of the transport station to Nomad. Tim couldn’t believe he was finally going to see the underwater city. But he always thought it would be with his father.
    About halfway there, Rusty slowed down and turned to speak to Tim.
    â€œYour parents are meeting us just ahead,” he said. “I know it’s going to be difficult and you may feel betrayed, but remember that they love you very much and that’s why they are letting you go.”
    â€œOkay,” Tim replied.
    They walked a little farther and there they were—the only parents he had ever known.
    Without words, they embraced their son and held him tight.
    When they finally let go, Tim took his parents hands in his.
    â€œI love you both so much,” he said. “Good-bye for now.”
    After Tim’s parents had gone, Rusty told the group about the origin of the tunnel as they continued on the journey.
    It was built by members of an Earth team, working with a group of sympathizers from Indus. Many here did not agree with the authority’s decision to take children from Earth. Great care had been taken to keep the tunnel a secret.
    The group finally reached the area they were looking for, the entrance to the Nomad station. One by one, they climbed up into the small storage closet where the opening was located. Emily and Ms. Duvall were already there waiting for them as they made their way inside the room.
    All three boys gave Emily a big hug.
    â€œIt’s so good to see you, Eme,” Max said.
    Luke and Tim nodded in agreement.
    â€œThis is where I say farewell and good luck,” Ms. Duvall said. And before anyone had a chance to say good-bye, she was climbing back into the tunnel and locking the cover into place.
    Rusty called the group together and instructed them to stay close and keep quiet. He peered out the door to make sure no one was close by and then signaled everyone to follow him to the other side of the building where the shuttle was waiting.
    The shuttle had just arrived from Nomad and the area was filled with travelers. Just as the group was about to make their way across, three police officers turned the corner and stopped in front of the shuttle loading area. Looking worried, Rusty looked at his watch.
    â€œThe shuttle will leave again any moment now,” he whispered. “We have to be on