The Weeping Witch

Chapter One: Salem

Salem Massachusetts.
Life was simple here. I always knew what to expect, nothing out of the ordinary happened. I performed the same task every day. I prepared breakfast for my family. Then I would leave the house for a time, to clear my head. Not something that is smiled upon here. Father only lets me leave the house for extremely short periods. I do not question him letting me have only a short time to myself, because he would surely take away the little time that I have. So I accept what he allows me.
Our tiny village is bound by a sometimes unreasonable religion. I was born into a devoted Puritan community. And I cannot help but feel that I belong somewhere else.
I know we are not to be ungrateful with the life we were given. But sometimes I wish for more. I have doubts that what I am taught day in and day out solely comes from the mouths and minds of men. But I dare not speak a word of my thoughts, for I would be going against my gracious Lord.

My Mother and Father always reminded me of how blessed we were to be given the chance to have a life in this "new world". My Mother has always known life here in the "new world". But Father has known a different life. When he was younger, his family traveled from England in hopes to live a life of freedom concerning religion. And soon enough, Father met Mother. And the will of God intervened and brought them together as husband and wife.
Father is always speaking of how God brought them together. How it was his plan to bring him to Mother. It is strange to me that Mother never really talks about how they met, or their married life before having children. Sometimes I think they were never in love. Almost as if Mother was somehow forced into marriage. But I feel like I know my Mother better than anyone else. I can see through the facade of their marriage. Father claimed it was the will of God, so how could Mother refuse.
It is a horrible thing, being married to a person you do not love. But maybe I do not know for sure. Mother could have grown to love Father. Nevertheless, it is a awful situation. One of which I hope I will never have to suffer.

The air was bitter as it brushed past me in a rush. I was fighting to go forward. Crunching through the cold snow surrounding our homes. But even in this weather, I counted it a blessing to be free of the four walls within my home. Mother sent me out once a week to collect wheat from our neighbors who lived closer to the Church.
The Millers were one family in the entire village who I enjoyed seeing. Mostly because I was very close to their daughter Rose. It was basically looked down upon to form closer relationships with others. We were to love each other equally. But I knew that there was no way someone could love everyone the same. It just was not possible.

I kicked a pound of snow weighing on my boot, so I could move freely. I tugged at my tattered cloak, bringing it closer to my chest. Months of snow covered our lives, but as a community, we fought through the harsh winter. Each of us helping one another, offering food and clothing to those who had none. And we were to accept gifts given to us by others. It was the will of God. We were a close community. Each person giving to another. As our gracious Lord and Savior has taught us from his word.

I finally reached the top of the small hill I was fighting to top. This time of year made it a long journey to walk to the Millers home. I placed my hands on my knees and bent down a little, breathing heavily as I tried catching my breath. I looked forward and saw that I was not far from their home. Smiling, I stood up straight, and pressed forward.
Soon enough I stumbled onto their doorstep, and knocked lightly on the door. I shifted from left foot to right, maintaining warmth in my almost frozen body. eventually the door cracked open, and I stepped closer to see Rose's large eyes peering out at me. She then giggled, and opened the door wider, and I quickly stepped in, slamming the door behind me.

I was immediately greeting by a large hug as soon as I turned around.
"It is so nice to see you, Milli!" Rose then held me at arm's length. "Are you here for wheat?"
I nodded, "Aye, Mother sent me."
Rose looked to her younger brother who was sitting at the wooden table. "James, go run and fetch Mama."
James let out an annoyed sigh, and dragged himself into the other room.