The rains came to an end. It had rained for two moons, lessening each evening, allowing us to care for the animals. The fallen tree from the last raining time continued to protect us from the rains. Our food storage building and the animal house were uphill, and behind our house. Because of this, fallen tree protected all the buildings from the rain water. The winds had howled around us, but we were cozy and warm in our house, as were our animals.
As the rain time ended, and the storms abated, and we were soon able to open the doors to the animal house. The animals left the building during the day, and returned at night. They had found the protection of the animal house to their liking. I continued to gather eggs and milk the cow, using them in cooking our meals. Our diet had changed much from the days of raw fruits, nuts and vegetables in Eden.
The animals had changed, as well. Our flocks of sheep and goats had doubled, they were becoming a large flock. The chickens had hatched chicks. Only the cow had not enlarged her family, as the bullock had not joined her in the protective enclosure of our animal house. That, of course, soon changed.
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Only 7 months after the birth of Absalom, before the rains came again, my moon time returned. This time I carefully watched. I wanted to know how long we must wait each time a child was born to us. I knew about how long, but I wanted to know, so that I could plan better. This time, I watched. I kept a small branch in my basket, and made a notch each time my moon time started. After the rains, shortly after Absalom’s first birthday, my moon times stopped again. Another child was on the way. I took another small branch, and marked each Sabbath that passed. This time, I would have an idea of how long I would carry a child within my body.
The sacrifice thanking God for another successful year was marked by the sacrifice of one of the sheep from our flock. We had now reached a number within flocks that we could now use our animals. Tears filled little Absalom’s eyes, and ours, as it was a child of our friend who had given himself as a sacrifice. From this time, all sacrifices came from our flocks and herds.
This year, our thanks included gratitude that once again, we would be having a child.
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I kept a close record of each moon, waiting for the coming of this little child.
The season of planting was once again busy. We had found quinoa and planted it with the other grains. I reveled in the flowers planted near the house, and the blossoms on the fruit trees. I loved the smell of the blossoms, and waited patiently for each to ripen, apricots, plums, apples, oranges and pomegranates. I would dry these, and enjoy the fresh fruits in season.
The rains did not come as often this year, and we were required to carry water to keep the garden growing. Little Absalom was growing, and was happy to help lug his little water bag to the plants, giving each a small drop of water. Thankfully, the grains grew, and enough rain fell to keep them green and growing.
Each seven-days we celebrated the Sabbath, singing praises and offering prayers of thanks. Sabbath days were spent quietly, planning the work for the next seven-days. Our sacrifices came, and went. And through the time, my body grew, and the child within.
Absalom noticed my growing body at about 5 moons.
“Mama,” he said, fingering my stomach, “fat like the cow.”
“Oh,” I replied. “Is the cow getting fat?”
“Yes. Papa says calf. You have a calf?”
“No, little Absalom. I will have a little child, like you. One day, we will have another small one like you in our family.”
“Will it be a man-child, like me?”
“I do not know, little one. I could be a man-child like Papa, or a woman-child, like Mama.”
“I want a man-child.”
“You would have a good time with a man-child, but the small one will take time to grow enough for you to play with him.”
“When comes?”
“I do not know yet. It will be a few more moons. You took your time deciding to join our family. I am sure this little one will do the same.”
Absalom nodded, touched my stomach, and wandered off to play with the goats.
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Every day, now, Absalom rubbed my stomach, and asked when the little one would come to see him. One day, the child moved, bumping his hand. He laughed and kissed my stomach. Such a sweet child. He was still a baby himself, not yet even two years, but he grew so fast.
One night, as harvest time was close to an end, Adam and I sat together watching the stars, a habit we still loved. “Do you think Absalom will love the new little one?” he asked.
“I would think so! He loves all the animals, terrorizing the cats, and loving the goats. They all love him. He has learned love from you,”
“And you. You are a kind, loving mother. There are times I wonder how you can manage the little rascal! Did you see him today? With the cow?”
“Trying to suckle milk from her? Yes. I saw. It is a wonder she does not kick him. I saw her flip at him with her tail! And I do not blame her. I would do the same if I were a cow and had a little rascal like our Absalom around.”
We laughed, thinking of the poor cow, and how gentle she was with our little son.
“Seriously, though, how do you think he will take to the new one?” Adam asked, after the laughing ended.
“He will probably think the little one is just another animal to play with and pester. We will have to be watchful of the new one when it arrives.”
“That is what I thought. I will plan to take him on a walk about if I have time, when the little one arrives. When do you think it will be here?”
“We were so ignorant with Absalom. I kept no records, I only know that we became aware of my growing body about 6 or 7 moons before he came to us. It has now been 7 moons. I believe this oe will be born sometime during the raining times. It should not be long.”
Adam smiled, as the child moved under his hand. Soon.
“We will need to prepare. Be sure we have dry mosses and clean, soft leathers to wrap it in.” He lapsed into thought, as he thought of all he would need to be prepared for the birth. It was sweet.
“I appreciate you thoughtful attention to details.” I whispered. “Thank you, my dear.”
“Of course, you are welcome, my love.”
YOU ARE READING
Remembrance of Eve *NANOWRIMO13*
Historical FictionEve wakes in a new world where she is introduced to the beauties of Eden, and the sorrows of disobedience. She, and her husband, Adam, are ejected from Eden, and must face the world on their own. They must learn to grow food, build shelter, and deli...