Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: SKELETON IN THE CLOSET (11/30/17)
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TITLE: As Though Nothing Had Happened | Previous Challenge Entry
By Joy Bach
12/03/17 -
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“Can I ever have a moment for me?”
The answer was clear. No. With 12 children, a husband and a huge farm to help with, she worked from before the sun came up until after it went down. She didn’t have time to pause.
The elementary age children attended school, walking a few miles each day rain or shine, snow or tornado. Those just older than that watched over the younger ones. The three oldest boys helped their father with the farm. The survival of their family depended on everyone doing their job.
Then came the day Mrs. Applebee realized her time of month had not arrived. With gritted teeth, she tackled the onerous duties as they came her way.
“No way am I having another child.”
As the days passed, she went out of her way to lift heavy items, push too hard, run instead of walk All to no avail. Still no signs her efforts had achieved the desired result. Soon she had a slight bulge in her mid-section. But her dresses were gathered at the waist and covered the mound.
“I doubt Mr. Applebee will even notice.”
Six months flew by and she began plotting. But she would need an accomplice. Mrs. Applebee turned to her sister. As she explained her dilemma, she stressed the need for absolute confidentiality.
Her sister agreed.
Signals were worked out. When the time came the kids would need to be distracted by a trip to town. Her brother-in-law would need to occupy Mr. Applebee. Just a few more weeks and it would all be over.
At the appointed time, the children were delighted to leave their chores and take a break, taking even the youngest with them. Even though Mr. Applebee was a bit perplexed by the sudden friendliness of his brother-in-law, he too took a break to travel to another county to look at some farm equipment.
Now all Mrs. Applebee had to do was hurry up and give birth.
All went as planned. A new baby presented itself. Without much thought about the new life, as soon as she could rise from her bed, she accompanied her sister, who carried the baby, to the back yard. Walking a distance away from the house, a grave was dug and the baby placed in it.
Now Mrs. Applebee could take a breather. But only for the night. Tomorrow would be as though nothing had happened.
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I wonder if people in those days ever would have thought about that action.
Excellent job of writing...I shivered at the end and felt so sad...a true example of stellar writing.
God Bless~