"There's nothing to worry about," Samantha said. "We'd better go see how the others are doing."
She recalled the words on the plaque at the base of the fountain cave. Molly had given her life so that Rebecca, Samantha, and all the others could live. Samantha promised to find some way to repay Molly for this selfless act no matter how long it took.
At the cabin they found Annie sitting on a tree stump, waiting for them. "Hello," she said. "I came to see if Rebecca needed anything, but she'd already gone. She showed you what's left of the cave?" Samantha nodded. "I'm sorry about Molly. I didn't know her as well as you or Rebecca, but she was such a sweet little girl." Annie hopped off the stump. "I guess since Rebecca doesn't need anything now I'll go on to the meadow. It's such a beautiful day. Would you like to come with me?"
"Maybe later," Samantha said. She watched Annie skip away with the carefree step of someone released from a heavy burden.
Samantha's stomach tingled with nervousness as they continued into town. Since waking up this morning the entire world had become so different. She didn't have any idea what to expect anymore.
What they found were all the children milling about the square. Some wandered around as if sleepwalking. Others sat on the ground, staring at their hands or feet as if for the first time. Still others prayed in hushed voices.
A wailing came from nearby. Samantha looked towards the source and saw Helena with her face buried in John's chest while Phyllis patted her back. "I died!" she said. "She stabbed me right in the chest and I died." She looked up at him, her face turning bright red. "Where were you? You were probably off chasing rabbits or torturing frogs or whatever you boys do. How could you let her do that to me?"
"Now honey, I didn't know any better. If I did, I would have done something. I swear," John said.
"Come on, it will be all right. Let's get you to bed," Phyllis said. She took Helena from John, letting Helena use her shoulder as a handkerchief as they walked across the square.
"What's going on here?" Samantha asked.
"Everyone remembers," Rebecca said. "Not just these last few days, but everything. From before Reverend Crane took over. I'm not sure how it happened."
"I do," Wendell said. He kissed Prudence on the cheek. "You did it. You set them free."
Prudence's face turned as red as Helena's with embarrassment. "I only reminded them of what they knew already," she said.