Vox: The bestselling gripping dystopian debut of 2018 that everyone’s talking about!. Christina Dalcher

should say.” He straightens, smiling. “Except that I’ve volunteered to beta test them.”

      “You what?”

      “It’s called leadership, Mom. And it’s what Pure Men do.”

      I don’t know what to say, so I say the first thing that comes to mind. “You goddamned bastard.”

      Steven shrugs. “Whatevs.” Then he stalks out of the kitchen, leaving the glass on the counter next to a note saying Buy milk.

      Sam and Leo are in the kitchen doorway, staring at me, so I don’t dare cry.

SIXTEEN

      After I read Sonia her bedtime story and lie next to her, waiting for the steady breathing that tells me she’s asleep, I go to my bedroom. Our bedroom. Tonight, I have it all to myself because Patrick is still in his study, even though it’s approaching midnight. Rarely does he stay up so late.