Rebecca, mature beyond her years, barely left her childhood when when she gave birth to her own child, a product of paternal incest. Once Molly was born, the father replaced his lustful looks for Rebecca with ones of contempt for their spritely playful pleasure had come to an end. His heart harbored hatred for his newborn progeny, and in a drunken rage he cast both of them out of his home.
The deserted country road seemed endless. Rebecca trudged along while protecting Molly as best she could. She was desperately in need of food and shelter. Berries and nuts found along the way helped to sustain her. Not far from a wooden area, she spied a shack not much bigger than an outhouse. That would be her humble home at least for the night.
A short while later, a tall unusual looking stranger came by and asked permission to rest for a few moments. It struck her as odd seeing this man in this setting since she didn’t recall meeting anyone during her journey. Rebecca sensed something behind his calm demeanor. Mesmerized by his deep brown eyes, she granted him entrance.
In an almost hushed tone, he spoke, “I’ve come to deliver a message. Tonight after the sun sets, stay inside and do not open the door for anyone until the sun rises. I must go and warn the others but I will come back later.”
He quietly left. A few moments later Rebecca ventured outside to see which direction the stranger was going, but she saw no one. The road was void of human life. As she tended to the needs of her daughter, she pondered his directive, “...don’t open the door…but I will come back later.”
Darkness was quickly creeping over the sky. She felt safe once the rusty slide bolt slid in place. At midnight, the howling wind whipped up causing the shack to shudder. Anguished groans of men and the wailing of women begging for mercy and forgiveness became overwhelming. During the tumult, she heard the terrified cries of her father. All were pleading with Rebecca to grant them shelter.
Rebecca, herself, was frozen with fear and was grateful that little Molly was oblivious to the turmoil around her. When the cacophony subsided, she heard a knock. “Rebecca, please let me in.” She recognized the soft, exchanging voice as the voice of the Stranger.
The warmth of the morning sun had not yet arrived. His earlier words echoed throughout her already confused thoughts. Rebecca stood by the door before….
***
The Stranger led the cadre of souls along a desolate path and with each step it became bleaker and bleaker. He easily captured those who failed to heed his warning and opened their doors. But those who listened were allowed to remain and repent. So now I ask you, “What did Rebecca do?”
The deserted country road seemed endless. Rebecca trudged along while protecting Molly as best she could. She was desperately in need of food and shelter. Berries and nuts found along the way helped to sustain her. Not far from a wooden area, she spied a shack not much bigger than an outhouse. That would be her humble home at least for the night.
A short while later, a tall unusual looking stranger came by and asked permission to rest for a few moments. It struck her as odd seeing this man in this setting since she didn’t recall meeting anyone during her journey. Rebecca sensed something behind his calm demeanor. Mesmerized by his deep brown eyes, she granted him entrance.
In an almost hushed tone, he spoke, “I’ve come to deliver a message. Tonight after the sun sets, stay inside and do not open the door for anyone until the sun rises. I must go and warn the others but I will come back later.”
He quietly left. A few moments later Rebecca ventured outside to see which direction the stranger was going, but she saw no one. The road was void of human life. As she tended to the needs of her daughter, she pondered his directive, “...don’t open the door…but I will come back later.”
Darkness was quickly creeping over the sky. She felt safe once the rusty slide bolt slid in place. At midnight, the howling wind whipped up causing the shack to shudder. Anguished groans of men and the wailing of women begging for mercy and forgiveness became overwhelming. During the tumult, she heard the terrified cries of her father. All were pleading with Rebecca to grant them shelter.
Rebecca, herself, was frozen with fear and was grateful that little Molly was oblivious to the turmoil around her. When the cacophony subsided, she heard a knock. “Rebecca, please let me in.” She recognized the soft, exchanging voice as the voice of the Stranger.
The warmth of the morning sun had not yet arrived. His earlier words echoed throughout her already confused thoughts. Rebecca stood by the door before….
***
The Stranger led the cadre of souls along a desolate path and with each step it became bleaker and bleaker. He easily captured those who failed to heed his warning and opened their doors. But those who listened were allowed to remain and repent. So now I ask you, “What did Rebecca do?”
