Historical Setting, 629 C.E. Vosges
Hannah just came back from her visit to see Layla. Nothing of her report puts our worries to rest.
“Papa, Momma, we were right to worry. Layla has bruises. It will be several months more before the baby is born and her husband makes no secret of the cause for the bruises. He says he needs a boy who is tough.”
I say, “We all know he is a raging idiot.”
Ana adds, “Layla’s known that all along.”
Hannah says, “And yet she says she is the cause of his wrath.”
“How can she blame herself?” Ana begs.
“She said, herself, that he mistakes her docile nature for being weak and malleable. And when she shows strength and doesn’t break, he does. He breaks into ruthless rage.”
I know, “I know that is the way of Layla. She keeps her core of strength deep and hidden. But it’s no cause for his anger. The blame needs to be on him.”
Ana wonders, “Now what can we do to rescue Layla and her baby?”
“This is my fault, I know, I should have been here.”
“You didn’t have that choice, Laz,” Ana says, “And it is their baby. You can’t do anything as her Papa, except welcome her home if she should come here. That was all we could ever do.”
Hannah tells us now that she has already taken Layla to be safe with the nuns at Luxeuil. “The nuns have seen this before.” She adds, “But you know, Papa, Layla has a bent for wandering. She won’t follow the restrictions of the monastery, so I promised her she would always be welcome home.”
“Of course,” I know, “But this brings the danger to both of you and maybe even to Haberd’s family.”
Ana wonders, “How is her own family not her safe place?”
“You know her husband will follow after her on a tirade and everyone in his way will be in danger.”
Hannah reiterates that she is pretty sure her little sister won’t stay at the monastery.
“You know your sister well.”
“Papa, don’t you have prayer words to say aloud for this? I would expect to hear your prayers.”
I was holding this in silence, “Dear God, thank you for Hannah’s gifts, and for this family. Help us be caring, courageous creative and understanding. Amen.”
(Continues tomorrow)
Lazarus Ink 