The wooden houses stood in their familiar places.
The gardens were full of flowers.
A gentle breeze moved through the orchard.
For a moment, it looked like an ordinary evening.
Then Jude noticed the people.
The villagers were standing along the paths.
Not moving.
Not speaking.
All twelve wives were there too.
Susan stood near the firepit.
Rose beside the storehouse.
Serena and Scarlet near the northern path.
Layla stood at the edge of the garden.
Natalie, Zoey and Lucy were gathered beside the central well.
Stella, Emma, Grace and Sophie stood on the wooden walkway.
They were all looking towards the shared house.
And none of them had shadows.
Jude turned towards the women beside him.
They were still in the dining room.
He looked back outside.
The twelve figures in the village raised their heads at exactly the same moment.
Then they spoke together.
"Jude, come outside."
The real Susan stepped closer.
"Don't."
Jude glanced at her.
"What is that?"
