Luke followed Malik into a warm, beautifully decorated home. The smell hit him instantly rich, savory, comforting. His stomach growled. "That smells amazing." Luke said, Malik smiled. "My wife is an excellent cook. She's making gumbo."Gumbo? Luke thought. I've never had that before…Back in Light's world, before the Flip, the Food Administration controlled everything calories, ingredients, even recipes. Lots of People forgot their mothers' cooking. Everyone ate the same bland meals. Being overweight was a crime. Luke realized the old world was crazier than he remembered. "Come, sit," Malik said. Luke stepped into the dining room. Four men sat around the table Malik, Kwame, and two younger men. One had long dreads, the other a clean fade.The one with the fade nodded. "Name's Armani. This is my brother, Tyrese."Tyrese gave a quick nod. Malik's wife entered with a steaming bowl and placed it in front of Luke. "Enjoy," she said warmly. Luke smiled back. "Thank you."Everyone began eating. Luke took a cautious first bite…His eyes widened.This was incredible.He devoured the bowl broth and all. The table went silent, staring at him. Then Malik burst out laughing. "I've never seen someone inhale gumbo like that!" The others joined in, teasing him like old friends.
Luke felt embarrassed but also… happy. He had forgotten what this felt like."If I had this every day," Luke said, laughing, "I'd gain some weight."They all agreed a compliment to the chef. Then Malik leaned forward. "Luke, I told you I'd bring you soldiers. Here they are my sons, Armani and Tyrese."Luke looked at the two young men. Strong. Brave. Ready. And he thought as he sits back on the chair and thinks We have hope.