Day One Hundred Fifty Eight #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

The movement back into the east end is under way. After reconsideration, only two thirds of the work force will return. The rest will remain behind and prepare for the latter harvest.

Lyle plans to contact Moglen and ask if he can meet with the representative of the world authority. He believes it to be only logical at this stage. For my part, I doubt that Stan has the courage to meet with us.

I helped the widow and her son back into their home. Grazie lent a hand, and though she knows she is welcome to stay, she has volunteered to remain behind in the field.

Later I had the urge to check the first district.

It was closed.

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Day One Hundred Fifty Six #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Lyle and I had barely nodded at one another before the responsibilities of the day pulled us apart. I had no time to share my vision, nor he his.

The widow told me it was imperative that I check on Grazie. An over-bearing sadness is how she described it.

I caught up with her at the vineyard. Indeed she was shrouded in gloom, and avoided my gaze. On inspiration I shared with her my vision of the Glorious Appearing. That made the difference – hope!

Lyle had been summoned to a meeting by Moglen. He went without hesitation.

At the end of the day we caught up with one another. Stan has returned. And we both had the same vision.

Day One Hundred Fifty Two #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Grazie was inconsolable this morning. Overnight she has decided she cannot be the reason for Kip’s imprisonment. She wants to return to the west end as soon as possible.

I cautioned her to await developments and held up the value of being patient in such matters. The widow spoke out and affirmed my words in her hearing.

Still she was restless and I feared she would slip away, given the opportunity.

Thankfully Lyle brought word from Kip. The former west end leader declared he would never allow himself to be exchanged  for anyone else or anything. And as he can always refuse the mark, he is certain Grazie’s father will force it on her.

Now we await Moglen’s next move.

Day One Hundred Fifty One #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Grazie had been under surveillance. Probably a drone that kept well out of view.

Moglen alleges that Kip is responsible for alienating the affections of his daughter, Terresta. He will oppose Kip’s transfer to the east end until he has Terresta back.

Grazie is beside herself. She feels keenly being the source of conflict – saddened for Kip, and fearful for herself. She repudiates the name Terresta and does not want to go back.

Lyle has gone into the second district to meet with Moglen, if he can. And to possibly work out a compromise.

I gave Grazie into the care of the widow. She will do her best to keep her occupied.

I passed the day in my walled courtyard.

Day One Hundred Eleven #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

It was Lyle’s turn to stay and help the widow today. I explained to him where I had left off, and what is left to be done.

He gave me some tips on what I might run into as I tour the western half of the city. He wants me to keep a look out for any sign of authority. He wants to meet with them and ask questions about their future plans.

It turned out to be a long day with little progress. I chose the district that I thought would lead to the other gateway. As it turned out, this district has no inhabitants and no gateway link.

The west end must be much bigger than we estimated.

Day One Hundred Ten #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Lyle came back today from a long tour of the eastern half of the city. He is optimistic that he can bring unity to the five districts in this area (the home we live in is part of the wall district).

I stayed here today to help the widow with set up. And to consider what needs

to be done next.

She reports that everything should be very comfortable here on out. Which reminded me to tell her to be sure to do as little as possible along that line for Lyle, knowing how much he dislikes ease.

She agrees with me that our (i.e. mine and Lyle’s) stay here should be brief.

All we need is the correct timing.

Day One Hundred Six #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Lyle was first up to the gatehouse this morning. He was a good long while talking there, so our hopes were lifted with each passing minute. But at the last our expectations were dashed.

Lyle trudged back down the hill to rejoin us. He spoke to the widow first, telling her that all is not lost, and then gathered us all together and led us away from that spot.

He explained that we have to apply at another gate. And before we could protest, he added that we are promised that we will be all admitted.

He grinned at me and insisted it’s still not the way things should be.

After a long hike we arrived at another staging area.

Day One Hundred Five #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

   Our hopes were raised this morning when the first six petitioners were admitted. When told “yes,” they appeared before the gate and waved the rest of their party forward.

However the next five were turned away. This set me thinking that there may be a daily quota in effect. Lyle must have read my thoughts for he spoke the idea out loud. The widow admitted that this idea had never occurred to her.

   But then as people continued to answer the call up to the gate, I thought why not just close down for the day.

   Still we kept advancing behind people who went up and back down again. Finally the day ended.  Tomorrow we will be first in line.

Day Seventy Five #DiaryoftheEndoftheWorld

Lyle writes:

Came back to the camp very late. Only to find Enough gone.

My fear has come true. I’m kicking myself for my little foray yesterday morning. I should have left a note about my intentions. Though it did not seem plausible at the time that I could be absent more than an hour or so.

I needed to check out the area further away from the village on this side of the river. We should have run into that widow and her son long before now.  I wonder if she has gone on over the mountain.

I spotted two cabins from one of the drones. It was at its limit.  One looked inhabited, so I had to check it out.

Nothing. And I could not go on, knowing that Enough was alone and perhaps concerned for me.

Obviously he was, and he went to find me.

And no note from him either. We’ll have to talk about that.

He should have waited. That’s what I’m going to do.