Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Control (01/30/06)
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TITLE: And Then the Pain Ended | Previous Challenge Entry
By Jessica Schmit
02/01/06 -
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“Crying only makes things worse. It’ll be over soon.” Maria thought’s appeased her pain for only a moment.
“That’s right. You won’t cry. Crying will only make mommy angry and we don’t want mommy angry.” His threatening words paralyzed Maria’s body from moving and her mouth from speaking.
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“You call yourself ‘the King of the Jews‘? If you’re so powerful, then take control of what’s happening to you right now and get down off that cross!”
Blood began to pour from His side. The mocker’s spear left its’ deadly mark.
His blood reigned upon the sacrificial ground.
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Then, it was over.
He pulled himself off Maria, dressed, then staggered towards her bedroom door. He looked at his helpless daughter.
Maria’s petite body trembled with pain. Blood camouflaged her pink flowered bed sheets where she laid.
A shadow crossed over his twisted face. Guilt flashed in his eyes.
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“You thirsty? Here, have some of this!” Vinegar was hurled on Jesus’ dying body. The liquid pierced His open wounds.
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“You need to learn not to...” His drunken speech was stopped as Maria’s hollow eyes stared piercingly into his empty soul.
With those farewell words, he stumbled out of the room.
The only evidence of the violent encounter were a few stands of Maria’s hair, trapped around his wedding ring.
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“Father, forgive them. They know not what they do.” Jesus’ words trailed off. He knew death was coming quickly.
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She waited till she heard his bedroom door close.
Slam!
Maria climbed out of her pink Barbie bed and limped over to her mirror to inspect her wounds. Pain shot through her right leg. Her eyes, swollen and bloodshot, told the unheard story of a father’s loss of control.
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“Father into your hands I commit my Spirit!” Jesus cried out in one last attempt to feel His Father’s love once again. “Father, thank you that my death can give life to so many…”
Jesus looked towards heaven. His pain wasn’t erasing the knowledge that his life was still in his Father’s control.
And then the pain ended.
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Maria brushed away some stray hairs from her face, revealing an ocean of blood which rushed down the left side of her face. Her eyes fell to the floor where she spotted her grade one math textbook. She bent down and brushed her fingers against the damaged corner which had violently met her head only minutes before.
Maria slowly limped over to her closet. She fell against the door, her limp body pushing it open. Maria dragged herself towards the corner. She could never sleep in her bed after an encounter with her dad.
Maria tried to open her swollen eyes as she looked around for her comfort, her solace. And then she saw him. Hidden out of view, behind her children’s picture Bible was Crackers. She tenderly picked up her prized teddy and held him securely in her arms.
“It’ll be ok Crackers. You don’t have to worry, he’s gone now.” A single tear ran down Maria’s bruised cheek and found its home on Crackers’ paw.
“He was real mean today, Crackers.”
Maria laid her head against his white plush body. Within seconds, Crackers beautiful white coat became a deep crimson red.
As Maria closed her eyes, she heard her bedroom door open. Footsteps stopped at her closet. The door opened slowly. A dim light streamed into the closet illuminating the stranger’s gentle face.
“Go away!” Maria tried to say, but no words could escape from her dying lips.
The stranger crept closer to Maria. He kneeled down beside her and brushed aside a stray tear from her cheek. Gently, he picked up Maria’s frail little body and held her close to his chest.
“My little girl,” He spoke soothingly, stroking her matted hair, “I’m so sorry for what has happened to you...I understand your pain...” His own sobs ended his mournful address.
Maria didn’t know why, but she trusted this man.
He gently kissed her forehead. His tears falling on her face, washing her blood stained cheeks.
Without warning, her headache ceased and the riveting pain in her leg slowly faded away.
She looked into the strangers loving eyes.
“It’s time to leave now.” He spoke lovingly.
“Where are we going?”
“Home. My daughter, I’m taking you home.”
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