The Broken Promise
Two days before Holly’s death, her mother knocked on her door. Charlene Waters pressed her ear against the slab of hickory wood, and knocked again, but still no answer. Holding her breath, she went in, and a livid face rose up to greet her. What was once angelic and unblemished now gleamed with a tinge of scarlet red. The papillary regions were puffed out and they did little to mask the bloodshot eyes.
“Honey. Let’s talk about this.”
“There’s nothing to talk about.”
“It’s not the end of the world.”
“Don’t say that!”
“Jack is a reasonable good man. He’s young and he’s handsome.”
“But I’m not ready.”
“But, Holly, don’t you understand?—you’ve been chosen.” Charlene reached for her only daughter. “The elders have said.”
“And do you believe everything they say?”
Charlene recoiled as if she’d just been struck by a twenty kilogram sack of flour. Silence seemed to stretch on for eternity.
“It doesn’t matter if I do or not.” She said finally. “It’s the will of God. All the laws governing the celestial heaven have been pointing to one direction; it’s said that you and Jack were made for each other.”
“No. I don’t care what they think. I don’t love him.”
“It has nothing to do with love, but with obedience.” She declared.
“Mum—you don’t even believe what you’re saying.”
“He’ll suit you fine, Holly.”
“It’s not right!”
“Remember what our creator said. A woman must submit to their husband the way a good servant submits to his master. All good things will come to those who follow.”
Holly tossed her pillow she was holding against the bedpost. “And I heard an expression that says a woman is not a man’s possession. That they’re more than just a belonging. There’s a difference between a servant and a slave, and I hope to God, you can see that, Mum!”
“I didn’t come here to ask you; I’m telling you. You’ll do as I say.”
“Why, mum? Why are you doing this to me?”
“I’m going to give you time to let it all soak in. Tomorrow morning, I expect a happy, glad face, which has learned to turn the other cheek. I don’t want my daughter to burn in hell.”
“I won’t!”
“If we don’t comply with our holy texts, and diligently abide by them, we will. We must observe the golden plates bestowed by our forefathers as ruthlessly as a surging tide. Like the celestial sphere, all the planets have aligned for at this very hour, for my sake, and for yours also.”
“Mother, listen to yourself, you’re not making sense.”
“You will understand soon enough.”
“Don’t do this to me, please.”
“It has already been done.”
“I’m not marrying anyone. And I don’t care what you or what anybody else says.”
“You will—you must.” Charlene Waters said, brushing her daughter’s hair aside. “He’s a good man and he’ll make you happy.”
“But I’m too young.” Holly whispered, wiping her bleary eyes.
“Yes, but remember what I told you before?—about the will of God? If fate destined it to be, then it shall be done. You will be okay, Holly. I promise. Nothing bad will happen to you.”
“You promise?”
“Yes, I promise.”
“Okay.” Holly said softly.
“My love, it’s all in God’s plan. There is no need to cry.”
Charlene Waters took one last look over her shoulder, before stepping out the threshold, and closed the door.
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