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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: Up and Down (04/02/09)
Up…down...up...down...

The wind pushed the swings carelessly around. Hanna paused just short of them. To even think of taking a seat on one was forbidden, and yet, at ten, she was still drawn to them. Carefully, she looked over her shoulder, then to the left and right. No one was around.

Everyone else in the compound was busy partaking in the communal meal.

Abba had commanded her to fast and pray for the night. She had questioned one of the commandments given by the Guides. Now she was being punished. The swings were calling her.

Her stomach churned as she made her decision.

Hanna made her way the last few steps towards the swings. Tentatively, she grasped the chains, expecting one of the Guides to punish her immediately. Hanna frowned as she tried to remember the Guides' names. There was Atl—who guided the waters; Xipil—who consumed those who were unworthy with fire; and then there was Eztli—who...Hanna shook her head. Eztli had something to do with blood and punishment. She shivered and released the chain.

Hanna knew she would be punished, not only by Abba but also by the Guides for her doubts.

The swings continued to move under the dark sky.

Up...down...up...down...

She breathed a prayer and closed her eyes, grasping the chain tightly, expecting Xipil to consume her in that moment. When it didn't come, she accepted the permission and sank onto the plastic seat.

Slowly, Hanna began to pump her legs in a familiar motion, pushing her higher and further. Up...down...up...down... Her long skirt caught the wind and Hanna resisted the urge to giggle as it billowed wide.

Abba always spoke of praying to the Guides, but, she didn’t know how. Did they even hear ten-year-old's prayers? She shrugged, leaning her head back and gazed at up at the stars as her legs went up. Idly, she wondered, which of the Guides made the stars?

Her legs went down, snapping her back and head back up. It didn't matter, though. Her legs slowed in their pumping. Hanna thought she heard one of the trailer doors swing open with a squeal. If Abba or anyone caught her on the swings...the punishment would be horrible. The swing continued to drift, up and down before finally coming to a stop.

Abba had told her to pray, to seek understanding instead of questioning her elders. But, which of the Guides would she pray to? None of them seemed to be who she was supposed to pray to. Maybe momma would know, Hanna realized.

The wind whistled around her ears and Hanna giggled softly as the door slammed shut. No one was looking for her yet. It was probably one of the boys, getting his scriptures for the nightly readings.

In that moment, Hanna grinned and pumped her legs again. She was only ten after all. Things that Abba spoke about were above her head.

The swing began to move pushing her body higher. Hanna held her arms out to the side, the wind making her feel like she was flying. She closed her eyes and imagined that her body kept going up, up, up, until she was surrounded by the stars. Nothing but her and whatever god there was out there.

"Hanna. Hanna!" Abba's voice broke through her solitude. Her trip through the stars stopped as a chain jerked without warning. She was physically flying up...up...up...before falling down, crashing hard on the ground. There was a sickening crunch and Hanna struggled not to cry out. It was her fault after all. A whimper escaped as she tried to cradle her arm close.

Abba loomed over her and leaned down. His large hand grasped her throbbing arm, causing her to scream in pain. With a smooth motion, he yanked her to her feet. Hot tears streamed down Hanna's face, as she whimpered louder. He pulled her closer, and Hanna could smell garlic on his breath.

"Have you learned your lesson?" he growled.

Abba squeezed her arm tighter and snarled, "Answer me. Have you learned your lesson?"

"Y-yes, Abba," she managed. Satisfied, he released her arm, throwing her back down to the ground.

Up...down...up...down...

The swings creaked, inviting her once again to come to them. Hanna sat huddled on the ground, staring at the temptation. Eztli had found his punishment after all.
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This article has been read 1176 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Verna Cole Mitchell 
04/09/09
What a sad picture you've painted of the innate yearning for the one true God and the confused mind of a child concerning a multitude of gods. Well done.
Charla Diehl
04/09/09
I liked this story but was hoping for the child to find answers for her confused heart. The ending seemed a bit rushed after Abba yanked the child from the swing.
Carol Slider 
04/12/09
Very vividly written and intriguing. It would be interesting to know more of the story!
Jan Ackerson
04/12/09
Fascinating and compelling reading. The only thing I wanted was a little more context--where and when was this taking place?

I loved the writing, and your delicate characterization.
Karlene Jacobsen 
04/13/09
I was so sad for the child at the end. Sad for Abba too. I'd like to hear more of the story. Did she find the One True God? Did she find forgiveness with Abba?
Sonya Leigh
04/13/09
How sad to think so many children's God-given consciences are defiled by man-made wisdom.
Connie Dixon
04/13/09
Your story compelled me to read to the end, I was really drawn in. It's probably just me, but I felt lost when I got to the end, I just didn't quite "get it".
Sheri Gordon
04/13/09
Very good writing--you drew me into this little girl from the beginning. I want more of the story--so many unanswered questions.
Mona Purvis
04/14/09
I wanted to run over and protect Hanna. What I felt was her need to escape and feel free and his need to confine her. Interesting.
Mona
Beckie Stewart
04/14/09
This was well written and kept my attention all the way through. Found it so sad to not know the Lord and being forbidden to enjoy a swing and receiving meanness for being on it.
Betty Castleberry
04/14/09
The details in this piece are wonderful. I didn't quite understand it all, but that doesn't take away from the fact that it's well written.
Ruth Ann Moore
04/15/09
I can see how this could be part of a bigger piece. It does stand well on its own though as a snippet in time. It seemed as though Hannah's heart would be tender for the gospel, but compound living would not allow that. Very intense piece. Great reading.
Carole Robishaw 
04/15/09
I can't wait till we can read it in context. Very well done, I was riveted to the scene.
Karen Wilber
04/16/09
You really made swings seem ominous. Vivid descriptions. This was riveting.
Joshua Janoski
04/22/09
I would definitely like to see an expanded version of this story and read more. What you have here grabbed my attention and left me asking questions and wanting more. Good job!