Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: Spring (as in the season) (11/28/05)
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TITLE: New Birth | Previous Challenge Entry
By Karen Treharne
12/04/05 -
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As she continued exploring around the yard, her face lit up at the sight of the pink and white azalea plant at the corner of the garage where its proliferation of buds promised a spectacular bloom. Her parents had given the evergreen to them as a house warming gift.
Near the back gate, the daffodils had already pushed through the earth displaying a hint of friendly yellow faces, and she couldn‘t help herself as she said, “April showers bring May flowers.”
She admired the cherry tree in the southern corner of their back yard which had budded out with a transparent pink hue that encircled it like a halo. It was under this glorious umbrella of shade that she and Michael had buried Jake last year. They hadn’t seen him run out the front door, but when they heard the sound of screeching brakes they instinctively knew he had been hit by a car. A handsome black lab, he was only four-years-old. Their hope had been to raise their children with Jake, but since his death and after waiting so long to become pregnant, the purchase of another pet had been put on hold.
Jessie was satisfied and cheered by the early signs of spring. She entered through the patio door and brushed the dirt off her jeans where she had knelt in the flower beds.
As she leisurely made her way to the kitchen, she mentally appraised the dining room table set with candles and cloth napkins, noting the jazz tune playing softly in the background which set the mood perfectly.
Jessie checked the roast, which was Michael’s favorite meal, and included, of course, gravy. Everything was ready.
Hearing what she thought was his car in the driveway, she hurried to look out the living room window. Over the neighbor’s rooftop, she noticed a rainbow arced on the horizon. Always a good omen, she thought, remembering its biblical significance. A new covenant with Noah was made the day God gave birth to that colorful symbol of love. For Jessie, whenever one appeared it represented a lasting assurance of His sovereignty.
She stood in the doorway and smiled at her husband as he ambled up the walkway. Wouldn’t he be surprised.
She placed her hand on her stomach and silently thanked God again for the life growing inside. After waiting over five years, this little creation was an answer to many prayers. A mark of spring. A heavenly new birth.
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A few minor things: in the first two paragraphs, you mention "their" and "them", but the reader has only met Jessie. We don't know who else you're talking about until later. Also, please let us know that Jake is a dog a few sentences earlier--the obvious inference is that he was a child.
A well-written slice of life--thanks!