Martha felt a cold rage settle in her heart.

“And what was your answer to her?”

“I told her to bring my father to me safely,” Christopher said firmly.

Thomas was brought to the basement three days before the scheduled funeral, frail and heavily medicated.

Christopher attempted to keep him conscious and alert.

For a few brief minutes, father and son spoke through the heavy metal door separating their small holding rooms.

Thomas recalled more memories in those moments than he had in years, remembering Martha’s home cooking, teaching Christopher how to use tools, and seeing Samuel near the ravine on that fateful day.