The Hope of Eden

Ashes

1920
Sacramento, California

"Father,"

"What?"

"Why does Jesus let evil people live?"

He scoffed. "Cause he's a wuss. If it was up to me, I'd curse them all to hell."

"Father,"

"What is it now, hybrid?"

She didn't even flinch.

"Eden says Shepherds are posed to be good and kind. S-she says Pastors are Shepherds, so how come you're evil to us?"

It took a moment for her words to register.

"You foolish demonic hybrid!"

His cold large hand collided with her cheek, sending her to the floor in painful sobs.

"Shut up! Shut up!" He snarled, anger radiating off him like heat waves. "EDEN!"

Her heart dropped, but she knew better than to hide.

She heard.

If he couldn't find her, he'd finish Rosalie.

"Yes, Father," She asked, coming from the hall with her head down.

In a moment she was on the floor clutching her stomach.

The brute force of his hit knocked the wind out of her.

"I'm evil? I'm a bad Shepherd?" He spat in fury, kneeling beside her. "I will show you evil." His sharp nails sunk into her scalp and he pulled her up, causing her to cry out. "I will teach you to never speak against me."

-

1921
Lynchburg, Virginia

Eden shot up, clutching her heart as sweat rolled off her brow.

She couldn't breathe.

She couldn't see.

Patting around the bed, her heart dropped even further.

Where was Rosalie?

"Rosalie," She whispered frantically.

Where was she?

She needed to calm down.

If she calmed down, then she could search for her little girl.

Dr. Slater wouldn't be so kind if he found Rosalie wandering around his home.

The time on the grandfather clock mocked her as she panicked.

It was late.

Dr. Slater would send them away without a word because of this.

Gentle knocks on the door stilled her worries for a moment.

"Edeeen," Rosalie whispered, giggling to herself as she pushed open the grand door.

Relief flooded Eden's soul at the sight of her.

"Oh no, what's the matter?" Rosalie hurried to her side with a warm hug, easing her antsy heart. "Oh, sissy," She cooed, brushing her cheek with her small hand.

Eden leaned into her precious hug and kissed her. "I-i thought you were lost. I thought Dr. Slater would hurt you," She confessed, squeezing the little girl in fear that she'd disappear.

Rosalie sighed. "I'm sorry, Eden. I woke up early a-and I didn't want to wake you." She wiggled closer to her after Eden pulled her onto the bed. "Mr. Carmen said to let you sleep, and I agreed," She whispered proudly.