A followup memo went out to all Fat Camp workers.

Attention. F.C. Personnel:

There are exciting changes happening here at Fat Camp. As you are aware we have outgrown our current facility. Not only are we streamlining things at F.C. We are moving! Our current situation is no longer adequate for the pressing needs of our ever evolving society. Therefore all F.C. recruits will be moved to an alternate location an hour north of the city. Trucks will arrive at 0700 to transport the "inventory" to a former slaughter house in Suffern NY. This larger and better equipped facility will aid in the streamlining and processing of both current and new recruits.

All Fat Camp personnel are to report at 0600.

All routine feedings, bathings etc. are to cease until further notice.

Signed,

Upper Management

After receiving the updated memo the attendants in yellow slickers didn't bother entering the warehouse. Since the workers were ordered not to feed the children (the usual evening meal of corn syrup, grain and maggot infested lard) they they took the night off. Most of them got stinking drunk. Even the vilest of attendants couldn't bear to hear pathetic cries of the children on death row. That night no swill was served, no heads were shaved and no black hoses unraveled for bathtime.

A calm before the storm.

This afforded Izzy the opportunity she desperately needed. For one evening she had the mutant children and the warehouse to herself. Climbing to the top of her cage she called for the leaders to in cages 2 through 20 to rise up. One by one a leader emerged: JM the exotic webbed girl, Mars, the yellow-eyed wolf-boy, Misty the conjoined twins, as well as the oldest children in the remaining cages.

All of the children were still. No one cried. No one fought. A sweet hush fell over each of them.

Clinging to the top of the cage Izzy projected, "Tonight each of you are going to need to be very brave. We are going on a journey. You must have courage. The invisible King is with us. His warrior spirits will protect us. Everyone who is older find a younger child to keep under your care. Do not let them out of your sight."

As instructed the children paired up. Onyx, the sweet elderly child, paired up with a darling 4 year old Asian boy who was born without eyes. She scooped him up in her weak arms and for the first time she felt strong.

She continued, "Younger children please obey your leader as you would an older sister or brother. Older children treat those in your care better than yourself. Treat each other as you'd like to be treated. If we do this... if we act as one then we are strong! Alone we are weak; together we are strong!"

In unison all the children began chanting, "Alone we are weak; together we are strong! Together we are strong! TOGETHER WE ARE STRONG!"

Once they settled down Izzy continued, "The invisible King is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." Izzy surprised even herself. She'd only read these passages one or two times yet they flooded into her memory with ease. "It is the King who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed."

The children answered, "Yes, yes!"

Izzy recited more, "In his book the King tells us, 'Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned and the flame shall not consume you...'"

In unity the children replied, "Yes, yes!"

"My name is Izzy Quest! I sought the King, and he answered me, and delivered me from all my fears."

A holy hush fell over all as the invisible King spoke audibly to the children. "Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for I am with you wherever you go."

Izzy and the other leaders climbed down. She laid down on her back and held hands with the children on either side of her. The other children followed her example and the white food fell gently through the top of the cages, covering all of them like a blanket. Once the snowfall stopped each leader gave thanks to the invisible King. The children ate as one. After eating the magical meal all 200 children slept peacefully, many for the first time in their young lives.

They were a family. They were not alone. Perfect love removed all fear.

-End of Chapter 29-

Author's note: This chapter seems short but maybe read it a couple of times. Are you afraid of anything? Do you feel alone? (Izzy is quoting scripture.) Read The Book. ❤️

Cast your cares upon the Lord for he cares for you. ~1 Peter 5:7