The Secret Sin

Part One

                                                              The Truth in Madness

Fifty-six year old Agatha Murphy had accomplished very little, yet so much in her life. It seemed like a confusing existence to others who relied on roots and visual proof to determine success but it wasn't confusing to her. She had neither gone to college, nor got married. She had never bought a house or owned property outside of her beat up car. But she had traveled all across the United States, and offered services to the dying and their families as a live- in caregiver. Hospice had been her passion and she had absolutely no regrets that she had dedicated her life to such a career. She had been doing it for over twenty-five years and truly felt as if she had made a difference in people's lives.

Even if they were at the end of said life.

She always ensured that their transition from life to death was comfortable and peaceful. Death was a normal part of living and she didn't consider herself any different than midwives who brought life into the world. She just worked on the opposite end of the spectrum.

Someone had to do it so why not her?

Everything she owned due to her life's work was strewn from the back seat of her car to the trunk and Agatha was okay living piously. She had never been much for materialism. Her job represented freedom for her. So many amazing places she had seen and people she had met. Experiences she basked in knowing full well that she would have never gone through such moments had she been chained to a house and family.

So, her accomplishments were done in a way that wasnt physically tangible. She didn't drive a fancy car or wear amazing designer clothes. The richness of her life she kept inside her and the memories certainly did keep her warm at night and a plump smile on her lips. Yup. She considered herself quite wealthy in life with the emotions of satisfaction with her career choice, and lucky with the memories she treasured in her heart.

Agatha was looking forward to her new temporary home. She drove all the way from the bustling city of Austin, Texas to the small quiet town of Ada, Oklahoma. She loved small towns after growing up in one. She was aware of the gossiping activities of the bored in tiny communities, but she loved them anyway. In a small town, if one person is messed with by the outside world, then the entire town felt messed with. They always felt clean and safe compared to the craziness of larger communities.

And life seemed to move a little slower as well. After Austin, she looked forward to a more drawn-out pace. At her age, slowing down time worked well in her favor, she mused.

Her GPS took her down a small road to more of a rural area on the outskirts of Ada. Because there was a truck parked in the driveway, she pulled up to the curb and stopped the engine as she took in her surroundings.

Excitement billowed through her generous chest as she took it all in. The old farmhouse sat on quite a bit of wooded land and off to the side of the house sat an old brick and wooden shed with a log pile to the rear of it. It was like staring at a painting and Agatha grinned, feeling as if she had come alive. This place was beautiful and she couldn't help but feel marvelous inside to be part of such a magical place. Whether she got to stay for two days or two months, she was thrilled to be there.

Quickly, she glanced in her rear-view mirror to make sure her appearance was adequate. She never wore make up but she liked to make sure her salt and pepper hair was pulled up professionally and her scrubs were clean. Looking into her own blue eyes she gave herself a quick encouraging wink before opening the car door. She was satisfied she didn't look travel wrinkled and was anxious to meet the family waiting for her inside.