Silence was always something of a double-edged sword. On the one hand, it wasn't what society taught her was normal. On the other hand, if you didn't talk, you didn't have to lie. Avery often lapsed into uncanny silences. At least before the Rain of Fire. After that, he could barely sit still, much less keep his trap shut.

Sometimes, Sam missed those good old days.

More than sometimes.

She was trembling on the brink of remembering too much again, but was saved by Jude. She blinked in puzzlement, looking up at him. "No," she admitted. "I didn't."