by Sarah Earlene Shere, Hosanna Heralds, ©2022
(Oct. 28, 2022) — [See Parts 1 and 2 of this series.]
“Why will she not come into the church? Instead she stands at the gate, keeping her back to the church door. At night she’s been seen walking among the headstones of the graveyard. She is not of this world, and she is not of the heavenly realm. That only leaves one explanation.” But no one dared to utter what that conclusion was.
Cassandra didn’t like the way the townspeople spoke to each other in whispers. She liked the stranger who had been staying with them for the last month, since they found her by Uncle Roland’s house, at the edge of the woods. She never spoke, but her demeanor was gentle and kind. Cassandra slipped her little hand into the lady’s warm hand at her side. Funny, she always felt warm, even when she had been standing out in the cold. The woman looked down and smiled, then glanced back toward the church with concern. It was almost as if she could hear Roland inside, talking with the leaders of the town.
“Are you suggesting we repeat the shameful history of our past that took place nearly two hundred years ago? Have we not matured and progressed beyond old-wives’ tales and superstitions?”
Roland soon came hurrying out of the church, firmly placing his top hat upon his head. With barely a word, he caught the lady by the arm with one hand, Cassandra’s hand with the other, and, while Agnes faithfully followed behind, escorted them on the walk back home. Halfway to the house, the young woman stumbled, having trouble keeping up with Roland’s long strides. The unexpected act caused the others to lose their footing, and suddenly the trio found themselves off the path, lying in a pile of fallen leaves. Agnes began to bark and prance playfully as they all erupted in laughter.
As the laughter died down to contented sighs, Roland gently removed a leaf from the lady’s hair and spoke to her tenderly. “I promise, I will keep trying to help you find your home, and I won’t let anything happen to you as long as you are in my care!”