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I’m not sure I believe that. I shiver, the air is cool on my wet hair.

“Here.” I hand him back his baseball hat. “Sorry it’s a little wet.”

“Keep it,” he says. “What about Saturday, where should we meet? Can I come to you, and we can get organized before we go?”

I wonder what getting organized looks like. I’ve tried to hide where I’m living, and I’m pretty sure Vale didn’t follow me home any of the days we met up at the market.

I consider for a second and he waits, patient, for me to decide. It’s one of those things that reminds me so much of the Peaceful Society, of home. I know Vale was raised up here but he’s so…patient. It’s not the vibe I get walking the streets of Anchorage. He quietly pulls my knives out and hands them back to me.

“Yeah, you can come over,” I agree. I put the knife away and shove the switchblade into my pocket as I give him the address. Vale pulls a phone out of his pocket.

“Should I get your number?” he asks.

“No.” I shake my head, smiling a little. “I’ll see you Saturday.”

BALTIMORE SUNREADERS RESPOND

MARCH 31, 2020

Governor Hogan is taking dramatic steps to save lives that are threatened by the novel coronavirus (“Gov. Hogan issues stay-at-home order for Maryland to stop spread of the coronavirus”). We are all being asked to make sacrifices for the public good.

The worldwide group People Against Violence supports all public health measures to slow or stop the spread of the virus. We’re delighted to hear of truces and ceasefires breaking out around the globe in an effort to avoid infection.

Just as the fear of disease and death can inspire us to take action to protect people, fear of injury and death from violence and war should inspire the same action. Along with sending masks and medical supplies abroad to save lives, we muststopsending weapons that take lives. People Against Violence is calling for Congress to pass the Halt Weapons Sales Act of 2020.

Every bomb not sold is a home or building left standing, another family intact. Every child saved from military violence is a child who will grow up strong and resilient in a loving world. Support the Halt Weapons Sales bill: call your representatives today.

Sincerely,

Mikayla Adamson

People Against Violence