Faith

Chapter Twelve

“You are an illusion. This world is only an illusion.”

            The words were like a poison injected into his mind, stored into every part of his brain where they couldn’t be reached and would be forever stored. They were part of the memory that stuck with him most. The words changed him. Made him into the man he was and would forever be. He believed there was no way to change; no way to rid himself of selfishness, his pride or his greed. He didn’t want to change. He loved the way he was now. He controlled the world as if it was his own. His people were weak in mind and weak in strength. They didn’t have the courage to stand up against him so that’s why he was able to control them. He controlled them with fear; fear of him and fear of the world. They relied on him for survival and for life. If any of his people defiled his laws the only solution was to rid of them of this world. Forgiveness on his part was impossible. Forgiveness wasn’t necessary. The only way he could keep his place in this world was to create fear and with fear, came direct obedience and with direct obedience, came power; the power to be able to control them.

            “Benjamin sir.” He turned his attention from staring out of his vast window to a tall, slim man who stood behind him. The man wore a fancy, black suit and tie, and he wore lightweight glasses barely on the tip of his nose. His face was straight and stern; almost like he was a statue.

            “What is it Cain?”

            “A patrol reported of two citizens stepping over the boundaries of the city. Unfortunately, he was not successful in shooting them.” Benjamin eyed him.

            “Why did this patrol not shoot them? Did I not establish that anyone who defies my law must be killed? Did the patrol not know?”

            “The patrol did know and he says next time, he will do as you say and shoot them the next time these citizens violate the boundary.”

            “Let all the patrols know if they don’t do as I say, they will die.”

            “Yes sir.” Cain replied and walked away. Benjamin gazed out of his window. The sun invaded the night, illuminating the darkness and brightening the world with effulgent light. It crept up the sides of the buildings, bouncing on their corners, edges and windows. Benjamin’s room lit up with light and it uncovered its darkness. He smirked and folded his arms.

            “This world is mine,” he told himself. “No one can or will disobey me.”

***

            The next morning Ed was still asleep. Julia tried to wake him, but there was no response from him. “He will awake in his own due time.” Julia and her mother still did not understand what the young man, Aiden, told them. A knock sounded twice at their front door and when Julia opened it, she recognized a young girl. Stephanie. She was in her school uniform, her hair was pulled back into a high ponytail and she stood with her legs close together.

            “What do you want?” Julia asked. She probably wanted to see Ed.

            “I was wondering… i-if I could walk with Ed to school. But o-of course you can walk with us,” she said. Julia stared at her blankly. 

            “Come on in.” She stepped aside and let Stephanie come inside.

            “Oh. Hello Stephanie!” Celine greeted her from the kitchen.

            “Hello, Mrs. Celine,” Stephanie replied. “Where is Ed?” Julia shut the front door quietly and then turned to the girl. She noticed she was extremely thin. She had skinny arms and legs, and bony elbows. She was like a broom. Was she eating enough? She wondered.