Red Rock

Chapter 10: Eyes Open (Part 1)

Chapter 10 Eyes Open

"When I introduced myself as modern evidence of God's miracles, I was not lying to you," Jane preached to the crowd, getting the occasional sour look. "I was born with a cord wrapped around my neck, inches away from death, and the doctors saying I would surely die by the week's end. But God had other plans for me. He had greatness in store! I was in what doctors call critical condition, beyond the point of healing for modern medicine and science. My mother prayed for me all day and all night for six straight days that I would not die. And on that seventh day, the hand of God touched me, and I was blessed with life. I was miraculously healed from the brink of death!" she paused, looking the crowd in their eyes. "When science told me I was going to die, God said otherwise! When the doctors said praying would get my mother nowhere, God said otherwise! From now on, things will be different!" She got louder. "God has put your care in my hands and I will not let him down! I will return his gift to me, to every single one of you! We will make the cannibals pay for what they have done in the eyes of God! We will return to the forest fully armed, and make it clear that we will not be ordered around!" The crowd cheered. "We will start our own country where God is our only commander! And I will gracefully lead you all to greatness!" she finished, feeling a rush of warm confidence flow through her body. The crowd went crazy with applause, cheering for the new era of leadership after three days. "But wait!" Jane halted the crowd. "As my first act of duty, I will rid of measured rations! We will all need to be well nourished and full of energy tomorrow, so everyone feast! Eat as much as you can! No more limited rations! They will be replenished soon enough! Eat! Eat! Eat!" The crowd erupted with joy.

Daire felt his heart drop to his stomach. This was the sort of manipulation to which Doctor O'Connor was trying to put an end. Too many times leaders fed off the fear and insecurities of their people by telling them lies and saying everything that they wanted to hear. Daire sat beside Sasha on the ground and patted her on the back for comfort.

"We don't have enough food to do this," Jacob explained to Jane. "We have about twelve days of food left if we ration it correctly."

"Nonsense!" Jane interrupted, "We will have more food than we can ever imagine soon enough," she finished, grabbing a package of a pasty ration and walking away. "Just don't worry about it."

Jacob shook his head in frustration and grabbed a modest meal from the food bank. He opened a package and ate half of its contents, putting the other half in his bag.

*

"I fucked up," Sasha croaked halfheartedly.

"You need to leave," Daire whispered in her ear.

Sasha looked up, heartbroken that one of her friends would make such a statement, "What?" she asked, tearing up.

"It's not safe for you here. Jane won't stop abusing you until you are dead or close to it. There's no point of staying," Daire finished, making sure no one was eavesdropping.

"Where would I go?"

"I'm sure the people in the forest would take you in. You're more than qualified to help them. You and Jessica can move there."

"I'm not going," Sasha said sternly, wiping her eyes.

"Sasha, it doesn't make any sense to stay, go while you still can!"

"No, I'm not a coward. I promised that I would help this group survive, and that is exactly what I'm going to do." Sasha stood up, regaining her confidence.