The Hope of Eden

Timing

"Lord," Eden croaked as she bowed her aching head. "I-i look to You."

"How much longer?" She pleaded sorrowfully.

"When will this terror end?"

Clutching her chest, she fell back onto her bed, pain consuming every part of her weary body.

The door shook and rattled as Father beat against it.

"Open this door."

Fear swallowed her voice as she tried screaming.

She couldn't move. She couldn't speak.

"OPEN THE DOOR, EDEN!"

-

"Noooo!"

She shot up in horror, crying bitterly.

Looking around, she found herself in bed at the Inn.

Father would never find her. He would never hurt her again.

Still, the truth couldn't dry her tears or ease her suffering heart.

Twenty-five years of cruelty couldn't be overcome in three weeks.

It was all she knew.

Standing slowly, not to wake Rosalie, she tip-toed to the dresser and splashed water on her face from the basin.

Water dripped down her face, cooling her hot flashes.

Her stomach turned at memories of her nightmare causing her to sway.

"Jesus," She whispered, clinging to the dresser. "Help me, Lord,"

Something had to give.

She felt unstable.

Unable.

She didn't trust her judgment.

Meeting Dr. Slater seemed miraculous, but now she wasn't sure.

She was wary of the older gentleman.

What kind of man offered work to a stranger?

A negro stranger.

Before falling asleep, she was sure of Dr. Slater's character.

Now after being visited by a nightmare, she could only imagine him being the same as Father.

He was generous today, but he would turn.

He had to.

"Pray."

"Lord, I look to You." She slid to the floor, leaning against the dresser for support. "I don't trust my judgment. I believe You spoke to me, but nothing gives me peace." She confessed, gripping her hair. "Going with Dr. Slater could mean I put Rosalie in danger. Staying here means that I put myself in danger,"

She loved Rosalie more than she loved herself.

This afternoon, Lincoln reminded her of his desire.

She had to send Rosalie away to keep her ears from being further defiled.

Lincoln put her in the mind of a friend of Father's.

Insistent. Vile. Immoral. Lustful.

It filled her with shame that she considered his offer in a moment of fear.

Anything for Rosalie meant doing things she wouldn't normally do for her sister's sake.

Money was running low.