The Hope of Eden

For Rosalie

1921
Lynchburg, Virginia

Carmen was handsome.

Twenty minutes ago, he left her side to make breakfast, and every detail of his face was etched in her memory.

Truly, it was a lovely memory to have.

It was indeed strange for her to ponder the appearance of a man, especially the man she worked for, but a veil she didn't know covered her eyes and was lifted.

She was blessed to see him.

A giggle left her unintentionally, making Rosalie hum, popping her head up.

"What's so funny, Mommy?"

Eden raised a brow at her cheeky tone but brushed it off as the uniqueness of her joyous daughter.

"I was thinking of something, Rosalie." She murmured, kissing her warm cheek. "I love you,"

Rosalie blushed and threw herself on top of her. "I love you more and ever ever ever! You're happy," She squealed excitedly, giving her Eskimo kisses.

Eden's heart clenched, remembering Rosalie's breakdown from yesterday.

She was more in tune with Eden's emotions than she understood.

But it was all changing now.

Eden was free and yesterday was forever gone.

Rosalie would be able to enjoy her childhood and develop healthy emotions.

That meant everything to Eden.

"Mommy, can I ask you something?"

Eden nodded. "Of course, baby."

Rosalie smiled sweetly, meddling with Eden's nose. "Are you happy now because of Mr. Carmen?"

Her heart stopped.

Rosalie was too discerning.

"I only ask because he makes me happy." She added. "And I get to see when you talk to him and when he gave us ice cream, you were looking at him a lot. And your eyes were happy, so was your face." She explained while tracing Eden's lips.

Whatever made her at ease.

Eden nibbled on her finger, making her laugh.

"Mommy! You are not a shark!" She jerked her finger away and placed her hand on her cheek. "I think you are most beautiful, Mommy. I love looking at you here because you are ever never hurt, sometimes sad and crying, but not because Mr. Carmen or me hit you. You just get sad because when we were hurting, it was really bad and the hurts would last,"

Eden held her breath for a moment, thinking of what to say.

Rosalie was lightly and heavily burdened.

Thankfully, there were no tears.

Only a wistful smile.

"Rosalie, I want you to know something, baby." She started, taking her hand. "I am happy now. Jesus set us free from the hurtful days. I only realized it today," She laughed softly as Rosalie's eyes widened with joy.

"Jesus set us free," Rosalie echoed quietly as if the words were profound.

And to her, they were.

They were golden.

"And because He set us free, we don't have to be afraid. God has brought us to a safe home and we can rest." She gently kissed Rosalie's nose. "If you feel afraid or sad about something that happened to us, I want you to tell me or Mr. Carmen. You don't have to hold it all in until you explode, my baby. Talking about what happened helps you feel better and see how it can never happen again because we are safe and free,"