Historical Setting, 629 C.E. Vosges Mts.
Layla thinks she can solve this by postponing the hurt we all know is coming when she returns to Will and accepts his lying apologies. And that’s not a fix for this. When we can see Layla’s bruises and her crushed spirit this is not just Layla’s problem alone. It is shared by everyone who loves her and everyone who might ever love this baby, and even, everyone who loves Will — would there ever be any one of those on earth beyond Layla? And God. So maybe Will has no imagination for love at all. How can someone love a person who doesn’t even know love?
Dear God, how can I love this enemy? This isn’t some abstract unknown kind of enemy; this is a cruel oaf in our midst.
So, while we await the slow and timeless work of God to teach love to Will, we have to find a way to keep Layla safe, without endangering everyone here. Gaia has no idea what “place” we are talking about. She assumes it is something we all know of because it was always here and she just hasn’t been led to it yet. So now we take Layla to the “place,” where Ana and I and Hannah will stay with Layla – and while we are there, we will fit out that little round house of thatch with all the things any house would need – a bed, a loft, a table – quilts and pots – fire and wood —
Gaia and Brandell will stay at our creek house. Now we have a plan.
Now this is what happens next. As we are preparing a house for a newlywedded couple, Layla mentions Brandell and Gaia will maybe one day need a cradle for babies too. Of course, when the need for that becomes a promise, I can carve them a cradle. Haberd’s babies just used the cradle I made for him, the same that served Brandell and Layla as well.
Oh, I have a thought. Dear God, thank you for this thought. May I see it through in a very good way. Amen.
Here are these women preparing all the things for a new household for Brandell and Gaia, but what are we doing to make a comfortable life for Layla and Will, and for this baby? All we are thinking of is keeping Layla and the baby to be born, safe. What of this whole family, all three of them?
(Continues tomorrow)
Lazarus Ink 