Love Beyond The Rite

Chapter 5

I placed my back to the wall slid down to a sitting position, sighing. I rubbed my eyes and titled my head back to hit the wall a couple times. Why are they so frustrating.

Agnes walked in and saw me on the floor looking defeated.

“Is everything ok? Can I do anything to help?” She said in a motherly voice.

I looked up at Agnes, my eyes welling up with tears. "It's just...my sister," I said, my voice cracking. "She's not exactly...supportive."

Agnes's expression softened, and she sat down beside me. "I'm sorry, Ember. Sometimes family can be...difficult."

I nodded, feeling a lump form in my throat. "Yeah. My mom's dying, and my sister's only just now finding out."

Agnes put a gentle hand on my shoulder. "I'm so sorry. Losing someone we love is never easy. But having someone like you by her side...that means everything."

I smiled weakly, feeling a sense of gratitude towards Agnes. "Thanks, Agnes. Just having you here with me makes me feel better."

Agnes smiled back. "Anytime, Ember. That's what friends are for."

We sat in silence for a moment, Agnes's presence a comforting balm to my frazzled nerves.

I decided to lay in my bed and read a book I’ve been trying to finish for a while but never could sit still long enough to read it.

I decided after a couple chapters it was time to shut my reading light off and get some sleep.

I turned over and gazed out my window at the snow falling, where a little lantern caught my eye. It was an old habit, one that brought back memories of Elijah working in his barn.

He'd light that lantern when he was tinkering with a new project or waiting for me to sneak out and talk. Maybe it was jacob now, old enough to carry on the tradition. Seven other kids had grown up in that house, after all. Elijah likely had a family of his own, with children running around.

Or did he?

Waking to the roosters' morning song and the savory scent of breakfast, I was transported back to childhood. Still half-asleep, I snuggled into the familiar comfort of my childhood bear, which inexplicably lay beside me.

As I yawned, reality slowly seeped in. I wasn't a kid anymore, and it wasn't my mom's cooking filling the air. The aroma belonged to her hospice nurse, a gentle reminder of my current reality.

Outside, the snow-covered landscape glistened in the morning light, a stark contrast to the warmth within. The previous night's blizzard had left a thick layer of snow, transforming the world into a serene winter wonderland.

My mind adjusted slowly, and I sat up, rubbing the sleep from my eyes. The warm glow of morning sunlight streaming through the window illuminated the room, casting a peaceful ambiance.

My stomach grumbled at the smell of deliciousness. I grunted in protest.

Getting out of bed I looked in the mirror to make myself a little presentable before seeing sweet old Agnes.

Looking at my arms and examining the marks from Paul’s nails yesterday I saw the bruises and scratched that were left behind. Of course it was on my less tattooed arm, if it was the other one it wouldn’t have been very noticeable on my tattooed sleeve. I could easily cover it up though.

Trailing back to my face, the bruises from his hand were noticeable but the swelling has gone down and it just looks like maybe I bumped into something.

I’ll have to cover it up before I leave the house today. Or maybe I should leave it so Paul could see what his anger did to me.

I pushed the thoughts aside and threw on an old band hoodie I found in my closet. I was floating in it but it felt cozy.

Walking into the kitchen, I was greeted by the warm aroma of freshly cooked breakfast and Agnes's cheerful smile. Two heaping plates already sat on the counter, filled with eggs, crispy bacon, and golden French toast.

"Good morning, Ember! I hope you slept well," Agnes said, her eyes sparkling with kindness. "I made you and your mom breakfast. Would you mind bringing it in to her?"

She handed me the plates, and walked them into my mom’s room where she appeared to still be sleeping.

I set the food down on her night stand.

I gently touched my mom’s arm and gave her a little shake.

She wheezed a little and coughed. Looking up at me she smiled.

“Hello mama, it’s time for breakfast” I whispered.

She sighed and closed her eyes. “I’m not too hungry at the moment.” She struggled to get out.

It was hard to see her like this, a wave of guilt and regret fell over me as I realized I should’ve been here months ago.

The sound of shoveling drifted through the window, and I looked up to see a strong built man in a long wool coat and wide-brimmed black hat, his dark brown hair poking out. The absence of a beard indicated he was unmarried. His facial features were familiar, and I realized it had to be one of the Troyler boys. Alice had mentioned they occasionally lent a hand, but I hadn't expected it today. I had planned to tackle the snow myself.

Deciding to let my mom sleep I picked at the breakfast to subside the hunger enough to leave me alone and to not offend Agnes after her hard work. I left mom’s plate there in case she woke up hungry.

I ran to my bedroom to quickly put some warm clothes and boots on to help whoever was outside shoveling.

As I stepped out, I spotted a familiar figure walking away from the man I'd seen earlier. The driveway was nearly cleared, and the man who resembled Elijah was heading back to the Troyer house, while the other man finished up. I approached him, and our eyes met - piercing blue eyes that seemed to see right through me.

"Hello there," I said, my voice a little softer than I'd intended. "Thanks for the help. I was bracing myself for a solo snow-shoveling session today."