by C
“That is the best we can do.” Nasir nodded in assent.
The next few moments passed like a dream. Amanda watched Nasir, Father Voloshin, Joe, and Mark carry out Ken’s body … a small funeral procession. She wiped tears from her eyes. She still couldn’t believe he was dead.
Then they made their exodus. Nasir carried a sleepy Rachel in his arms, leading the way. Linda and Bethany followed. Morgan and Joe supported Ethan on either side, while Mark walked behind them, his gun pointed at Ethan’s back.
Amanda came last of all. She closed the door to the cabin a final time. No reason to lock it now. She stepped into the snow, following the others. Far on the eastern horizon, she perceived the slightest lightening of the dark sky. Dawn was indeed coming and, with it, the promise and hope of being reunited with her dad and Chiara.
It came to her on the journey that in the battle between freedom and sin, between manipulation and love, between demons and angels … we must struggle.
But we are never alone.