This is the prologue to my new novel. It is the first draft - so it is not edited or in it's finished version. It is a story of 'purity' living in an world of evil. Would like some feedback on the direction of work. Thanks, Karen
In the Midst of Wolves
By
Karen Kelly Boyce
Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves, be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.
Matt. 10, 16
Prologue
We frantically spend our lives accumulating power, fame, or money. Power, we think, will help us make our mark on the world. Fame, we hope, will make our name live forever. Money, we know, will keep us secure - sheltered, fed, and healthy. Yet, we spend life’s true wealth and give it away without thought. As our life progresses we notice that the days, seasons, and years seem to be accelerating. It is not until our later days, when we are running low, that we realize what is slipping through our fingers. That is when the truth of what we wasted hits us. It is not about fame, money or power. These are not important in the end. For in the end we find that the true wealth and currency of life is time.
Time dripped - slow as the leak in the bathroom sink. Her thoughts poured between the drops. Ah…but it had always been so, she mused. Often, she couldn’t catch up with her own mind. Certainly no else could. Rita Harrison had learned early not to allow others to see the quickening pace of her heart or the narrowing of her yellow eyes. Calm, serene, looking beyond the reach of ordinary worries, she sat in the plastic chair of the hospital waiting room. Watching, she noticed the furrowed brow of her son-in-law. She heard his deep sighs as his eyes darted, settling on nothing. She watched him as a wild animal watched prey while hidden behind the brush.
Rita’s eyes followed as he hurried, being called to the delivery room. Her daughter lay beyond the walls. But not beyond my reach, she thought. She had picked the Obstetrician and Rita, thinking ahead as always, had paid off his onerous student loans. She smiled to herself thinking, John might be in the delivery room, but her presence there was stronger.
Whether, she would need that advantage, she didn’t know. She had learned early never to be without it. Fidgeting, she couldn’t ease the ache in her back that betrayed her age. Rita hated her weakening body. She had done everything she could to outrun death – but it grew closer with every day. She had accomplished so much in the decades she had lived. I’ve built an empire, she thought as the memories of fighting her way to the top comforted her. She was the richest woman in the state and owed her success to no one but herself. She had beaten all who dared to get in her way. She always won.
I failed at only one thing, she sighed as she raised her shoulders in an attempt to ease the pain in the base of her back. Somewhere along the way she had lost control of Meghan. It had surprised her when Meghan had married against her will - married a poor teacher, instead of the wealthy alliance that Rita had planned. The scene constantly played before her eyes. She could still picture it now. Meghan standing on the landing, suitcase in hand, announced her leaving. Rita leaped blocking her way. Yet, she had lost. The look of pure strength in Meghan eyes had melted her. Meghan so soft, kind, and compliant had stared at her with a face so full of distain that Rita melted. For the first time in her life, Rita felt exposed, as if Meghan could see the real her. In the light of truth, the truth of what she was – she withered. Small, she watched as Meghan left.
