Within the Zironist compound where Mother had been bred, the oldest mutant alive hid the oldest existing version of the Bible within his quarters. It was he who imparted all his wisdom of the Bible to as many mutants as he could. If he were ever found out, he would surely be killed, and all vestiges of any religion other than Zironism would vanish.

Hilargi stuck her tongue out, vigorously coloring in a blue sky. “Why are humans so mean anyway? Why do they want to hurt us?”

Mother laughed. “I don't know. I think they're missing something--it's not just the vanishing of the males of our species, either. It's deeper than that."

Hilargi liked that explanation so much that it stuck with her her whole life.

Mother went silent for a time, and Hilargi finished her drawing with a flourish of her wrist. She showed it to Mother, exclaiming, “Ta-dah!”

Mother gasped. “Oh my goodness! This is so beautiful! This one is me, and this one must be you, but… Who is this?”

Hilargi grinned. “I think this is how Dad must have looked!”

Tears ran down Mother’s face, her chin wrinkled as a wobbly frown overtook her face. She looked overwhelmed by memories of her husband, and the sweetness of her daughter.

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"What’s wrong, Mommy?” Hilargi asked, lowering the picture. “Did I do something to upset you?”

Mother shook her head hurriedly. “No, no. It’s just… Amazing how much it looks like him.”

“I wish I knew him…” Hilargi murmured plaintively.

“I wish you knew him, too…” Mother agreed quietly. “May I have your picture, sweetie? I would love to hang it.”

Hilargi nodded eagerly, handing it to Mother, who tucked it away in Hilargi’s dresser.

After that, Mother swallowed a lump in her throat, telling her daughter something difficult. “Hilargi…”

“Yes?”

“I’m going to leave on an extended journey soon. A few other mutants are coming. You should be fine while we’re gone, our burrow is incredibly well hidden, after all. I’m leaving you in the care of Auntie Kelly while I’m gone.” Mother said, swallowing more tears.

“Where are you going? Why can’t I come?” Hilargi protested.

“It will be dangerous, and what we’re seeking may not even exist. We’re heading south—supposedly, that’s where a scientist lives who can tell us why women are no longer giving birth to male children.” Mother explained. “Hilargi… Promise me that if we don’t find this scientist, that you will try to find him when you become an adult. He could be humanity’s only hope. Even after years and years of examining pregnant women, we mutants just can’t pinpoint why it is that there are no more men.”

Hilargi crossed her arms and sulked. “You could just take me with you now!”

“Please Hilargi. Promise me.” Mother asked again, firmly.

From the tone of her voice and grave expression on her face, Hilargi knew Mother meant business. She caved, but still moped. “Fine. But I won’t be happy about it.”

“Thank you, Hilly.” Mother sighed in relief.