excerpt from, "HOW TO KILL A LIE'
IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT
Reverend Rodgers awoke with a start!
...Breathing heavily, and quickly sitting up, he wiped away streams of sweat that rolled down his face and neck with his already drenched bed sheets. Upon reaching for the water glass on his night stand, the faint figure seated in the corner, moved. The Reverend’s eyes strained through the darkness trying to identify the intruder.
“Who's there?” He demanded! “Show yourself!”
The figure stood up and moved toward the bed. The closer it came the more the moonlight dispelled the darkness and the mystery was solved. Manuel stood at the foot of the bed in stark stillness, staring at Reverend Rodgers. His presence was so unsettling that he turned on the lamp and patted the bed, signaling the boy to come and sit down. Then, and only then did he see traces of a child. The good reverend gathered his thoughts as his feet slid across the floor in search of his slippers.
“Tell me, why are you roaming around in the dark? Why aren't you asleep?”
"I want to hear the story of David, again.”
“He was a shepherd boy,” groping with his foot for the elusive slipper. “Who, one day would be king.”
“He did other things; no, Padre?” Came his Spanish dialect.
“Yes, Manuel, he did. David was known to hold his peace when his enemies confronted him. At times he took flight to save his own life.”
“Then, there were times when he did not run. Isn't that also true, Padre?”
He heard the child's question in his ears, but it was the look in his eyes that gave him pause.
“Yes, that's true.”
“Like, when he faced the giant man who threatened to harm him?”
Reverend Rodgers stood and crossed the room, leaning his haunches on a dresser adjacent to the bed. “Where is this going, Manuel? We covered this thoroughly in chapel.”
“David was justified in killing the giant because he threatened the life of his people. He too, was young and overlooked, but he was chosen to do what no other could do.”
“Also, true. Are you feeling overlooked?”
Suddenly, the boy stood and looked him in the eyes. “Thank you, Padre. Good night.” Then he left Reverend Rodgers to a sleepless night filled with wondering and prayers.
Excerpted from "PART II: HOW TO KILL A LIE: Sequel to: AND THE MIRROR CRACKED" by Monica Handy. Copyright © 2016 Excerpted by permission. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher. Excerpts are provided solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site.
Photo Credits: Boy imitating warrior MG 5676, Google Search-common usage photos, COOTW Literary Works Promo pic.
