The Music Of Life

Lonesome Hill

I watch as my father grabs my brother Isaac's hand, pulling him out the back door and up the hill. I follow them, laying low behind some bushes. I daren't move a muscle; I barely even breathe. Some kind of preparations were taking place, and for a moment I am blinded, before seeing what looks like an angel appear in the sky.

It's voice boomed out. "We accept your sacrifice." What sacrifice could they be demanding? It takes a second for me to figure out what's happening.

They're going to kill Isaac, the only other person who even knows I exist.

I forget that I'm supposed to stay unnoticed by others as I stand up in anger. "No," I scream. "You can't take him! I won't let you kill my little brother!"

Everything is silent for a moment, the others in shock at my sudden appearance. "What's your name, young one?" I'm asked by the angel.

I shake my head. "I don't have a name." The angel appears confused, so I continue. "My father never gave me one."

Isaac looks at me, afraid, and a bit sad. He knew all this, of course, but he's never quite understood why. Because I was the firstborn, and a daughter. It was easier to pretend I didn't exist than 'live with the shame'. I smile at him softly, before reaching under the bush and grabbing my bow and arrow.

I notch it quickly, and aim it at my father's neck. He instantly rages shoving Isaac harshly, before taking a step towards where I stand. "How dare you defy me, child? I'm your father!"

"You better let Isaac go," I spit, pulling the string back. He's afraid I'll actually shoot him - and rightly so - as he pushes my younger brother in my direction. I drop what I'm holding to pick Isaac up and hug him. "It's all okay," I whisper, stroking his hair as he sobs quietly into my shoulder. "It's all okay."

I put him down and step over into the clearing, staring hard into my father's eyes. "Do your worst, Abraham," I growl. A second later, I feel a searing pain in my chest, followed by only black.

When I awake, the angel is carrying me. "You were brave, my child." 

I smile happily. The only kind words that have been said to me. I close my eyes in content, and they never open again.