Summary

Joseph had long permitted Axel to live on the farm after suffering a leg injury abroad. Uncle Axel was David’s best friend. One day, Axel found David sitting alone and seemingly talking to himself. Unselfconsciously, David explained he was actually talking to his cousin Rosalind who lived on the next farm over. They often spoke with their minds. There were other children even further away who joined in. David explained how they couldn’t hear each other’s voices, but could project abstract thoughts and feelings. Uncle Axel was disturbed. After making sure it was not a game, Axel made David promise him to keep his thought-shapes a secret and never do it in the open again.

David related his uncle’s concerns to his friends telepathically. They all agreed for the need for secrecy, having harbored vague fears about their powers...