Prison Games

Chapter 6

Chapter 6

Red was a man of twenty-two when they lost the farm. Had that terrible day never occurred, Red would probably still be there. When they had to leave the farm, Red knew it was time for him to go out on his own. What a hard and sorrowful parting it had been. He was given kisses, hugs, and a small amount of money. After being sent on his way, he found a large tree and lay beneath it, crying his heart out. When his tears were gone, he curled up and slept. Once he was awake, he dusted himself off and found He wondered where his "family" was now. How disappointed they would be in him another job.

if they knew where he was. It had all started when he had stopped trusting in the Lod It was after losing another job with no prospects that he began losing hope. It was bitter cold, and he found himself drifting once again. His belly had not been full for overs week. He happened across an open door, exposing a table with bread and chee Before thinking about it, he grabbed it and ran. It wasn't long before a few men chased him down. He received a beating and a place of his own...in the gaol. Times wer tough before, so why had he turned to stealing? He couldn't answer, because there wa no answer. At the time he was bone-weary, empty with loneliness, and weak.

Red shifted to ease the pain in his back. The wall wasn't nearly as hard as admitting his failure. Something stirred within him, a familiar longing. It had taken him a while to figure out what that longing was. Over the years he had tried to tell himself that one day he would have his own land and family. One day he would have a family who wouldn't leave him. Without money to buy the land or a family to give it to him, there was little chance of that happening. So he had given up... given up on dream, and given up on God. He had tried to save some money, but wages were small He worked mostly for his food and lodging. Irritation replaced longing, irritation at himself. The world was filled with the starving and deprived. All he had to do was look around the cell to see that. Yet his mind continued to chase the elusive and impossible dream. The wanting it wouldn't go away. Shame came over him until he heard the wonderful, soft voice within: "Trust in Me. "Red had to smile. The Lord was not about to let him sit there and feel sorry for himself. himself, his

Forgive me once again, Father, he prayed. He felt peace knowing the Lord would nor leave or forsake him. He would never feel alone again.

Another three weeks went by before the day of rescue came for the children. Keys rattling brought everyone's attention to the door. The gaoler unlocked the door and turned to look as if waiting for someone. A moment later a man and woman stepped through the door holding their arms out. "Patty, Michael, we're here!"

The two children looked up with the calling of their names. With squeals of joy and relief they ran as fast as they could toward the couple.

"You poor babies, we came as fast as we could. We just heard about your mother. Look how filthy you are!"

As soon as the children reached the woman, they buried their faces into the folds of her skirt. By what Sophia could make out, the couple was likely the children's aunt and uncle.

"Oh, Arthur, let's get these poor children out of this horrid place. Who would lock innocent children in a place like this?" the woman questioned as she placed a hanky over her nose and mouth. "I don't know, dear, but I intend to find out. This is an outrage." Turning to the

lirtle girl, her uncle spoke softly. "Don't worry, you will never be left alone again." Tears of relief ran down Sophia's cheek. Knowing the children would have a place to live, and with people who seemed to love them, comforted her. Envy also tugged at her heart. How she wished someone would rescue her. She wanted to be brave, but what difference would it make? Who cared if she were brave or not? Gran would have cared. How many times did she tell Sophia to, "Be true to yourself

and God"? No matter what circumstances surrounded Gran, she walked in peace. Sophia

didn't have that same assurance. Well, she thought, maybe not, but I did have more than

most. She had come from a family of love, deeply rooted and solid. She may not know

where she was going, but she knew from where she came. She still had more than most,

and no one could take that away from her. Strength surged through her, bringing hope

in its wake. Things would somehow work out.

"Get up with yas! Come on, tarts, time to move into yer new 'ouse." The gaoler chuckled at his poor joke. "What's going on?" one of the male prisoners asked.

"Nothin' tha concerns the likes of ya. Sit back an' mind yer own business. All right, girlies, line up to be moved."

They did as they were told. The gaoler and several other turnkeys took the ten women down to another cell. Fresh hay covered the floor while blankets lay neatly folded. The women were relieved. They wouldn't have to worry about the men. The big man called Red seemed to protect the women, but they could never be sure of his intentions either. No one really knew him. After all, he was a prisoner too. As the other women settled in, Sophia ran her fingers through her long hair. The

tangles were many and tight. "Will we ever get out of here?" she asked.

Mary shook her head, "Not sure, lass." "What's to happen next?"