“I think someone’s mother.”
Red sat down on the bed and Belle sat beside her. “Why do you think so?”
“Because Mama made one like this for me, didn’t she? Remember? She hung it over my bed and said I should never forget the words.”
The memory rushed toward Red. She tried to dam it back. She could not let her thoughts hearken back to those happy, innocent days. Everything about her past filled her with crippling regret.
“I ’member her making it.”
So did Red. The dam broke and she was back at her childhood home. She was warm, happy, secure in her parents’ love and protection. Seems the house glowed with treasures, each representing love. Mama sat in a rocking chair that had been Grandma’s and told stories of sitting on her own mother’s lap ensconced in the same chair where Red remembered sitting on Mama’s knees and later, where she and Mama took turns rocking Belle. What a sweet baby she’d been. “A gift from heaven for us all,” Mama had said time and again. “After losing so many babies, God has granted us Belle to fill our hearts with joy.” Indeed the happiness in the house had reached new heights with the safe arrival of Belle. Mama had once said she might not live to see Belle marry and asked Red to promise she’d see Belle was properly cared for. Red had readily agreed, never suspecting an accident would thrust the role upon her so unexpectedly.
“Mama hung it over my bed on my fourth birthday.”
“I’m surprised you remember.”
“I didn’t till I saw this one. Then I ’membered.”
“I remember, too.” Mama had stitched a cradle with a baby in it, a window behind the cradle with light pouring in. She’d carefully selected the scripture. “I want something that will encourage Belle her entire life. No matter what may happen,” their mother had said.
Oh, how disappointed her parents would be that Red hadn’t protected Belle as she’d promised. She would live with that regret to her dying day and the moment she stepped into heaven, she would beg their forgiveness.
Not that she was sure God would let her into heaven after the events of the past year and her vow to never forgive Thorton.
“I remember the words, too,” Belle said.
Red did, too, though she no longer believed them with childlike innocence and wondered if Belle did.
“‘I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.’ Red, do you think Mama would be angry that I did forget them for a little while?”
“I don’t think so.”
“Red, do you still pray?”
She wished she could avoid the question. She had no desire to rob Belle of whatever faith and trust she still had. But she couldn’t lie. “Not much.”
“Me, either, but when I was locked in Old Mike’s cabin I remembered a prayer Mama said and I said it out loud. That’s what I was doing when you came for me.”
Her curiosity overcame her doubt. “What prayer was that?”
“‘God, You are a very present help to me, and I am receiving Your help even now as I pray. Thank You, Father. You are my refuge and strength, and because this is true, I will not fear anything or anyone.’”
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