God's Will

Chapter 4: Catch Me If You Can

June 19, 2224

Kallinikos, Heavenly Kingdom of Solomonia

The sun hung low in the sky, casting a warm golden light over the town of Kallinikos as Abraham and Mia's father prepared to leave for basic training. All of their neighbors and all of their friends had turned out to bid him farewell as he checked his gear and dressed in the uniform of a crusader. It made Mia's stomach twist at the sight of it. The past week had been a nightmare as she had been made to sleep with Abraham every single night to ensure she would be with child within a month. She was certain she would get pregnant after that, not that she wanted to be in Solomonia when she found out.

Abraham checked his gear one last time, his face scrunched with scrutiny.

"You look fine Abraham," Her father straightened his tie, "The chaplains will straighten anything else out - don't fret,"

"Are you sure Mr. Sternberg?"

"I am," He nodded to his daughter, "I'll be back in three days Miriam, I'll see you then,"

"Of course father, I can't wait,"

"Mia, I'll be at training for thirteen weeks, I'll be back before you know it. Then we'll make sure our family starts off right,"

Mia nodded and put on her pre-programmed smile, "I can't wait to see you again Abraham,"

He kissed her and she kissed back, biting back the disgust in her throat. With final goodbyes exchanged, the two men climbed into the waiting transport vehicle. Mia watched as it rumbled down the road, disappearing around a bend. She stood there for a moment longer, the weight of her decision settling over her. When she turned back to the house, her mind was already racing with the plan she had formulated for days now.

—------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Later that Night

The night was silent and humid as Mia stood in her bedroom. She looked at her satchel where she reviewed her choice of supplies. Water bottles, snacks, a change of clothes, money if needed, and the contents of the defection guide package. Satisfied, she pulled her coat over her shoulders followed by her satchel. Mia moved through the house with purpose, her steps light and quick. She had calculated everything down to the last detail: the time it would take to reach the border, the safe houses along the way, and how long she had before anyone noticed she was gone.

Since she had a long journey ahead of her - one-hundred-and-four miles down the Euphrates and then a ninety mile hike over land - she had dressed accordingly. While she still wore a dress and blouse as that was all she had, she had snatched a pair of sturdy work boots Abraham had gotten after the wedding. She also took a serrated knife Abraham had in their bedroom.

She left a brief note on the kitchen table, knowing it would be days before anyone found it. The note was simple, a farewell and an apology, but it did not explain her true intentions. She couldn't risk anyone trying to follow her.

♥ Abraham,

I'm so sorry, I can't do it. I cannot have your child. This marriage has been awful and abusive and I can't handle it anymore. I'm running away to a normal life, whatever that may be. I wish you the best, and may you find a more loyal wife than I could ever be. All I ask is that you and my family will understand, though I do unfortunately believe it will be a fruitless hope.

Love,

-Mia ♥

She stepped out of her house, and looked around the village she had grown up in all her life. The night air was cool and the wind whipped through her hair as she pulled up a cloth hood and scarf. The village was deadly silent and still. With a breath of air, she began her journey to freedom.