No one said anything for several moments.
At last Sheila shook her head. “No. I feel it, too.”
“So do I,” said Samantha.
They all looked at Peter. “Let’s just say I feel something,” he said at last. “That—there was a reason I was on that flight. That ... I have a purpose, somehow.”
“I think we all do,” said Williams. He turned to face the gloom again. “And it just may be that Ank’s purpose is out there ... somewhere. I guess what it comes down to is a matter of faith.” He turned back around. “Faith in my friend, for example. Because he wouldn’t have left us without a damned good reason.”
“But, if we push on, how will we carry our gear?” asked Peter.
“We’ll just all have to shoulder our share,” said Williams. “Even the kids. Even you, squirt.” He ruffled Erik’s hair. “... and have fai
