John Baiori's Anthology of Horror and the Macarbe

Abigail's Vindication

Located on the south side of the country estate lies a magnificently landscaped parterre – a patterned, laid out garden modeled after the French-style variety – adorned with an array of perennials ,violets, marigolds, daisies and roses of various varieties and colors. Its patte' d'ole – the three avenues (or allees – as the French would say) leading to its central location – are lined with dogwoods; which are now in full blossom. And, towering in the center of the patte' d'ole, stands Abigail's cenotaph.

An enormous statue sculpted from the finest imported lucullite; it depicts two Angelic cherubs facing each other – one 'blowing' on a horn while the other's 'strumming' a harp. Inscribed in 24kt gold lettering upon the polished, high-glossy face of the base, "In Loving Memory of Our Beloved Daughter Abigail – Whose life may have ended quickly; but, our love will endure for an eternity." And, though this lavish monument may seem to have been reverently erected by Abigail's parents to outsiders; this memoriam was nothing more than an abhorrent, unadulterated sacrilege in her sister's eyes.

There's alight, steady rainfall from a summer afternoon's sun shower gently tapping upon the chateau's mansard roof and dormer windows. In a pensively somber state, Sophia leaves Abigail's old bedroom, and sullenly ambles down the hallway to the window. She peers through a 'fine veil' of falling raindrops, looking beyond the center allee upon that blasphemous offering to 'pay homage' to that dear little one.

Unlike her parents' vulgar facade of sanctimonious airs put on for their image sake; Sophia truly loved her sister. There was never an ounce of jealousy formed within her. From the moment she had discovered that her mother was going to have a baby, Sophia enthusiastically awaited the arrival of her new sibling. And, when that blessed day had arrived; Sophia was ecstatic.

When Abigail was brought home from the hospital – as soon as they walked through the front door – Sophia begged her mother to let her hold her new baby sister. Never have holding a baby before in all of her fourteen years of life; Sophia – without any trepidation – reached for, and took her newborn sister lovingly in her arms.

If there had ever been any doubt in Sophia's mind at that time as to if there was a God, it would have been vanquished at that very moment. Yes, there was a God – there had to be; to create such an exquisite little being as this one cradled within her arms. So tiny; yet perfect in form. Neither too plump, nor too thin. Robustly colored with a light shade of pink-hued skin – with ten lovely little pink fingers and ten little pink toes. Her skin was velvety smooth; like a petal from a fragile flower. Upon top her small, beautifully shaped head, a very fine covering of golden hair; which felt as soft as the softest down. Two alert, wide-open eyes of the brightest sky blue Sophia had ever seen adoringly looked up at her - instantly securing an unbreakable sisterly bond and deep affectionate love for the other.

And, while standing there, holding Abigail snugly to her chest; Sophia was deeply moved as she felt her sister's sweet, gentle breath warm her neck, and felt the baby's heart calmly beat – and, soon it felt as if her heartbeat became 'in tune' with Abigail's; their hearts beating at the same rate, as if they were one. At that instant, Abigail was to forever more be Sophia's 'heart' –her love. From that day on, until her death – and, even until now; two years after that tragic occurrence – Sophia's feelings for Abigail never changed or faltered. Abigail was always – and always will be – her dear little one.

Sophia always tended to Abigail; even more so than the au pair her parents employed to take care of Abigail – and, she especially paid more attention to her than her parents ever did. That was during daytime.

Sophia spent many evenings visiting her sister's room; watching over Abigail as she peacefully slept – looking even more angelic than she did during the day. She relished in the pure tranquility of her sister's slumber; and, 'soaked in' the serenity of those nights. In the total silence of the room, Sophia would attentively listen to the 'melodic' breathing of Abigail as she slept; sounding to Sophia more beautiful than any musical masterpiece ever composed. And, as she gazed upon her sister – enraptured by her natural, innocent beauty – Sophia wondered what kind of wonderful dreams Abigail must had been having to bring about such a contented and happy expression on her little face while sleeping.