29th January
A farmer walked into the forest, looking for his dog, which had run off.
"Brono! Come here!"
He could hear the dog barking from far off.
"You're a naughty dog. Come here now!"
He followed his dog's barking and was soon able to see him.
When he got to Brono, he spied something gruesome--a corpse burned beyond recognition. His dog walked around the corpse, sniffing it and yapping. As the farmer grabbed the dog's collar, the sickly-sweet aroma of cooked flesh hit his nose, making him throw up. He put his hand over his nose and pulled his dog away from the corpse.
The dog got away and jumped over the remains.
"Oh, shit," he said, and vomited again.
He got hold of his dog's collar and put on a leash on it.
"Let's go. I have to call the police."
He ran to his pickup truck. He put his dog in the back of the truck and dialed the police.
"Irva Police station."
"Yeah, listen. I was walking in the Grande Forest looking for my dog, and I've stumbled on some burnt human remains."
"What's your name?"
"Gary."
"Did you see anything else by the remains?"
"I didn't really look properly. As soon as I saw the corpse I ran out."
"Thank you for your call. I'll have this looked into immediately," said the dispatcher.
"Please keep my name anonymous," said the farmer.
"We never give out names. I assure you of that."
The farmer put away his cell phone and started his engine. He drove away, trying to forget what he had seen and smelled.
30th January
In the evening, after the church service, Father Piero sank down comfortably in his armchair in front of the TV, watching the local news. He was drinking tea.
'Another tragedy has struck our society. Yesterday, human remains were found by a farmer in Grande Forest. The body was burned beyond recognition. Police have yet to identify the gender and identity. The police are still searching for a kidnap victim by the name of Sheila Seegobin. There's a possibility that the remains might belong to her.'
Another innocent life perished. Almost every day they announce more death. No wonder why some people don't read or watch the news. So many lives are ruined. Indeed, the Demon is not sleeping at all. Could it be Sheila?
Father Piero turned off the TV and dialed Miguel's number.
Miguel was sitting at his desk, going through some bills that had to be paid soon. He picked up the phone.
"Good evening, Miguel. This is Father Piero."
"Good evening, Father Piero."
"How is everything going? I have not seen you for quite a while. You've missed all my Masses since Sheila's been gone."
Miguel lit a cigarette.
"I can't force myself to come to church without my wife. It's not easy to live, not knowing where she might be. Is she hurt? Is she dying or hungry? My mind is like a boiling kettle that's ready to explode."
"You shouldn't be missing out on Mass for any reason. You'd feel much better in God's house, taking communion and surrounded by people. Why don't you attend tomorrow with your children? You need God to cope. He is our hope and our strength."
"Father, I'm not sure about that. I would rather stay away from everyone than hear questions about her or see their gazes directed at me."
"I understand perfectly. But if you attain God's grace, you'll be able to manage your pain in a better way. A seed of hope will grow in your heart, warming you with joy."
Miguel shook his head. "I'll think about it."
"Good."
There was a pause, then Father Piero said, "Did you see today's news?"
"Yes, I did."
"Do you think it could be Sheila?"
Miguel put his cigarette in an ashtray and then rubbed his neck.
"Father, honestly I don't know what to think any more."
Father Piero's doorbell rang. He looked at his door.
"I have to go, Miguel. We'll chat later, and please don't neglect God's house or lose your hope. As long as there a little spark of hope, everything is possible."
"I'll try, Father."
The priest put down the phone and rushed to open the door.
There on the doorstep was his childhood friend, Indriani. Her face was ashen, her eyelids swollen, and she was trembling like a leaf.
"Can I come in, Piero?"
Father Piero led her to the living room.
"What happened? You look like you saw a ghost."
She gazed around and then took her seat. Father sat on a chair.
"My daughter has been missing for four days. She's not answering my calls. As I was driving back home today, I heard horrible news. They have found her remains in Grande Forest."
Indriani felt a lump in her throat and a heaviness in her chest.
"Some heartless person killed and then burnt her. She never hurt a fly. Why would anyone want to end her life like an animal?"
Father Piero got up and came over to her. He patted her shoulder.
"You don't have to hurt anyone to gain an enemy. If you're beautiful, successful, or have something that others don't have, people will always be jealous of you. They will wish to have what you have."
Indriani let go of her sorrow and wailed as her whole body shook.
"Why did this happen to my child??"
"Calm down. They couldn't identify the victim. It could be someone else."
Indriani shook her head.
"No, Piero. It's her. I can feel it."
He took a tissue from his table and passed it to her. Her sobs echoed throughout his house.
"The victim could be anyone else. Don't make rash decisions."
Indriani shook her head, and then blew her nose.
"I know it's my Layla. I'm her mother and can feel it. Knowing that my child faced a gruesome death has torn my heart apart. It's as if a part of me died with her."
Father Piero again patted her shoulder.
"Please pardon me for being emotional."
"Sometimes crying is good. It helps to release the pain. However, you shouldn't lose hope. Wait until the police identify the body."
Indriani's cell phone rang. She looked at the screen. Her husband was calling.
"I must go before my husband gets worried. I don't know how to carry this news to him."
She got up, and Father Piero led her to the door.
"Maybe you should keep quiet till you know for sure."
"That would be so tough. Please forgive me for this late-night visit and all this drama."
"No need to apologize. That's what friends are for. To support and be there for each other. If you need to talk to someone, I'm a call away."
"Thank you, Piero. But you already have too much to deal with."
Father Piero opened the door and Indriani rushed outside.
31st January
Miguel sat at the desk in his office, speaking over the phone. His hands shook slightly, and his face was covered with sweat. After seeing the news, the night before, he hadn't gotten any sleep at all. He had worried all night, wondering if the corpse belonged to Sheila.
"Where exactly was it found?"
"On the finger of the corpse," said his friend at another police station.
Miguel unbuttoned the first two buttons of his shirt and gasped for air.
"Please look at it and tell me what initials you see inside of it."
"M +S=L."
"The ring belongs to my wife. She was wearing it the night she was kidnapped."
His eyes teared up, and the room spun.
"I'm sorry. I wish I wasn't the bearer of bad news," said his friend.
"Was the autopsy completed?" Miguel strode towards the window and gazed outside, breathing heavily.
I'll deal with Kingpin and his bastards. I'll bring hell upon them.
"Yes. I got a report an hour ago, but it was inconclusive. It was confirmed that the corpse is female. There were no marks left by a knife or gunshot wounds. However, autopsy indicated hyoid fracture and possibility of strangulation. The killer removed all her teeth which makes it difficult to identify her."
Miguel returned to his seat.
They took her away from us and killed her. Kingpin will pay dearly if he was indeed behind this.
He lit a cigarette.
"Miguel, I'm truly sorry for all of this, but please don't do anything that you will regret later. You have to consider how your decision would impact your children and your job."
Miguel let go a circle of smoke.
"I won't, thank you. Where is her body being kept? I must claim it and give her a decent burial."
"It's at Judy M.D. Forensic Pathology Centre."
"Okay. Thanks."
He disconnected the call without saying goodbye. Miguel sank into his chair.
It's all my fault. They followed me all the way to my home. I should have noticed them. How am I going to break this news to the children?
He sighed deeply and picked up the phone.
I need to organize a funeral for her.
He pulled out the yellow pages from his drawer and looked for the pathologist's number. Then he dialed it.
"Judy M.D. Forensic Pathology Centre," he heard.
"Yes, I am Sergeant Miguel Seegobin from Lystra Police Station. A few days ago, burnt remains were taken to your Centre. I've just learned that it is my wife, Sheila. I would like the body to be released for a proper burial."
"You must come with your and your wife's ID and sign the documentation. Then we can release her body."
"No problem. I'll be there shortly."
Miguel ended the call and dialed the number for the funeral home. He arranged for them to pick up the body and transfer her there. Then he called Father Piero.
"Father Piero, they've found her."
"I'm so happy for you."
Miguel took a deep, shaky breath. "Father, they found her corpse."
The priest was silent for a minute.
"Oh, my God. Where and how?"
"A farmer searching for his dog in the Grande Forest stumbled upon her."
"This is so horrible. May God be with your family. Is there anything I can do for you?"
"I would like to get a date for her funeral service."
"I have something going on almost every day. But I can fit you in on February 2nd. The service will start at 9 a.m. Does that work for you?"
"Yes, Father."
"I'm really sorry for your loss. So, devastating."
"Thank you, Father. There's so much to do. I must register her death and transfer her to the funeral home. Bye for now."
"Okay, bye."
Miguel left the office in a hurry without saying a word to anyone. He drove to the forensic pathology centre.
As soon as he parked his car, a black hearse stopped near him. A man got out of the driver's seat.
Miguel looked at him. "Are you from Angela's Funeral Home?"
"Yes, I am."
"My name is Miguel. I believe you came to pick up the body of a burnt woman."
"Yes, I did. By the way, I'm John Ramdass. Are you related to her?"
"I'm her husband."
"Oh, I'm really sorry. I heard that she was burnt badly. You won't be able to display her body for viewers."
"I thought so. Let's go inside," offered Miguel.
They walked to the building and Miguel rang the doorbell. It opened automatically. They went inside and walked to the lobby area. At the desk was a woman of about age 30.
"Hello. I am Miguel Seegobin. We spoke about an hour ago. And this is John Ramdass. He will transfer my spouse's remains to the funeral home."
"Can I see your ID please, as well as hers?" she asked.
He removed his and Sheila's driver's licenses and gave them to her. She filled out an application form with the information provided and then handed the IDs and the documentation to Miguel.
"Please check it, and then sign it."
Miguel read the documents and then signed the forms.
"You'll need to talk to Jude," she told him.
She then directed him to a lab room, where his wife's remains lay on an examination trolley under a white sheet. A pathologist's assistant stood by a man's body on another trolley. He was busy stitching an incision in the man's abdomen.
"Jude? My name is Miguel Seegobin. I'm here to collect my wife's corpse. She's being transferred to a funeral home."
"Oh, sorry. I'm not Jude. I'm Drake Willum, his assistant."
Miguel stared at the corpse that Drake was working on and started feeling quite dizzy. Dead bodies always sickened him. Seeing the look on his face, Drake left the needle on top of the body and covered it with a white cloth.
"I hope you have a strong heart. The fire disfigured her body."
"I can take it."
Drake walked towards another examination table and lifted the covering from it.
Miguel's eyes caught the most horrible view of a human body. There was nothing familiar left of his wife's body. Her remains were now blackened, and pieces of clothing were melted into her skin. Her face was totally gone, leaving only scalp.
Miguel gasped for air, and his heart raced. Seeing his reaction, Drake covered her corpse.
"I'm sorry that you had to see this."
"How did she die?"
"There are no traces of gunshots or knife injuries. The findings on her neck area suggests she might have been choked to death and then burned. We found traces of blunt force trauma to her head. There is a small crack going across her scalp. This could be caused by the force of hitting her head on something. We were planning to perform DNA to confirm her identity. However, since you've identified her based on the ring, we have cancelled all of that."
The driver from the funeral home entered the lab room with a stretcher on a wheeled frame.
"I have to pick up another body. Is the corpse ready for my collection?"
"Yes, you can proceed," said Drake.
Unable to take the smell of death any longer, Miguel left the room. He allowed the driver to transport the body into the funeral van, then drove straight home.
Upon arriving home, he found his children in the living room, occupied with a jigsaw puzzle.
"Hey, I'm back," said Miguel.
Nadia got up and ran towards Miguel. She embraced him.
"Daddy, did you get ice cream?"
"Oh, no, your old man forgot it. I'll get it tomorrow."
"You're not an old man. You're still young," said Nadia.
"Oh, thank you. Where's Granny?"
"She's in the kitchen," answered Ronnel.
"Thanks, Ronnel. You go and complete your puzzle," said Miguel.
He walked into the kitchen. Elisa stood next to the stove, turning bake over with a spatula. On the counter, Miguel noticed cooked saltfish and avocado cut into thin pieces. On the next plate lay a peppery mango chutney, inviting Miguel to take a piece.
"Hi, Mummy. I need to talk to you."
"You're back early today," she said.
"Please move away from the frying pan and go sit down."
"My cooking is done," she said, and turned off the stove.
She left the spatula on a plate and sat down on a swivel chair. She looked straight into his eyes.
"Did they find her?" she asked.
"Yes, Mummy. She's the one whose corpse was found in the forest. She's so badly disfigured. It's sickening."
"They just killed her like a pig without any disregard for a human life." Her mouth was set in a grim line.
Elisa noticed tears in her son's eyes.
"Mother, I can't handle it. It hurts so much."
Elisa got up and moved towards her son.
"That is horrible. I'm so sorry. I wish there was a magical wand that could bring her back."
She embraced him. His body trembled as he cried on his mother's shoulder. Tears sparkled in her own eyes.
She put her hands on his cheeks and looked into his eyes.
"Listen, son. Calm down. The children might hear you."
She walked to the counter to get a tissue. As she did so, a fly flew over the food that had been left on the counter. She covered her food with a paper towel and picked up a tissue. Miguel took it from her and dried his eyes.
"What are you going to tell the children?"
"Mummy, I don't know. I still have to digest all of this myself."
"Go and change your clothes, and after dinner we'll deal with it," said Elisa.
Miguel walked to the door, and then turned around and looked at his mother.
"Oh, I forgot to mention. I've spoken with Father Piero. The funeral will be held in his church on the 2nd of February at 9 a.m. Please get a picture of Sheila for the service and put a notice in the newspaper about it. Can you please call our relatives? I'll get her death certificate and speak to her mother."
He wiped his eyes again. "Oh, dear Lord, that will not be an easy task."
"Let me call her. Khalisha will be in a state when she finds out. It's so painful to lose one's own child," said Elisa.
Out of nowhere, Ronnel appeared in front of Miguel.
"Daddy, who died?"
His eyes stared intently at Miguel.
"There's something I have to tell you." Miguel gazed at his mom.
"Am I in trouble?"
Granny walked to Ronnel and stroked his cheek.
"No, honey. You're not. Let's go to the living room."
They walked into the living room and sat down on the sofa. Miguel glanced at Nadia. She was trying to fit a piece of the jigsaw puzzle together with the rest. She left it on the floor and walked over to them.
"Daddy, I don't like jigsaw puzzles. They're hard."
"Leave it alone and come sit on my lap."
She followed his instructions.
"Do you know what happens when people die?" Miguel asked his children.
"They go to heaven to be with the Lord," answered Ronnel.
"When will I go to heaven? I want to see Him," said Nadia.
"I don't know. Only God knows. Today I've found out that Mummy went to heaven."
A frown formed on Ronnel's face.
"Mummy couldn't have gone to heaven. She's alive!" said Ronnel, raising his voice.
Miguel glanced at his mother and took a deep breath.
"She died, and we are going to bury her," Miguel told him sorrowfully.
Ronnel got up. "No! You lie! Mummy can't be dead. She's going to come back soon!"
Ronnel ran out of the room. Elisa rushed after him.
Nadia gazed silently at her father, trying to digest what she had heard. She pulled his hand.
"Daddy am I going to see my mom?" she asked.
"No, you won't. But she will be in your heart."
Miguel put Nadia's hand to her heart.
"As long as this heart beats, she will be there."
He then touched Nadia's head.
"And the memory of her will always live in your mind."
She moved closer to her father and hugged him.
"I want Mummy to come back home."
Miguel hugged her.
"I know, darling. I want that too, but that isn't possible."
Nadia's eyes became moist. She moved her lips, whispering something.
"Why did Mummy go to heaven? Doesn't she love us anymore?"
"She loves us. God decided to take her there."
She stared into his eyes. "But why?"
"Maybe He wanted her to become an angel in heaven."
"Will he take you as well? I don't want you leave me alone."
Miguel kissed her head.
"I won't, sugar. Go and play now. Daddy has to make some calls."
"I don't feel like playing," said Nadia. She rushed out as well.
Miguel got up from the sofa and went to his bedroom. From there he called some of his relatives and friends to notify them about Sheila's death.
As he went through his contact list over WhatsApp, he stopped on Candice's profile. He noticed that she had changed her profile picture. The current picture showed her in a strapless top, exposing her toned and muscled shoulders and arms. He hesitated for a moment and then texted her.
'Hi Candice. They've found her.'
At the time, Candice was doing pull-ups on a pull-up bar in her door's frame. As she worked out, it was easy to see her biceps and toned-up broad shoulders.
She dropped to the floor and walked towards her phone, where she typed in her password and checked her WhatsApp. She read Miguel's message and typed.
'Is she at home with you now?'
'No, she's at the funeral home.'
Toothless did a great job. Finally, some good luck coming my way. Hallelujah.
A smile crossed her face. She decided to play naive.
'What's she doing there?'
'Why are you asking so many questions? She's dead. Are you happy now?' typed Miguel irritably.
If you knew where she is now, you would wish her to be dead.
'I'm sorry. I didn't figure that out. How did she die?'
'They killed she and then burnt she. I'm organizing the funeral for she.'
Candice opened a bottle of water and drank it all. Then she typed again.
'Where will the funeral be held?'
'At Father Piero's church.'
'I'm truly sorry that things ended up this way. If you need anything, I'm here for you.'
'Thank you', typed Miguel, then he put away his phone. He lit a cigarette and smoked, feeling edgy. He gazed at his cell phone.
In the evening Indriani sat on the sofa in front of the TV, watching the news, a cup of coffee in her hand. Her husband had fallen asleep in his armchair not far from her, a newspaper on his lap.
"A Chinese businessman was killed during a morning robbery at a Super Market shop. Two armed bandits stormed his shop, and during the struggle between them he was shot in the abdomen. By the time police arrived, he had succumbed to his wounds.
"Remains found in Grande Forest have been identified. It belongs to Sheila Seegobin, the last for this year, and the victim of the kidnapping we reported a few days ago. Funeral arrangements are currently being arranged. Up to now no one has been arrested. Investigation is still going on."
Indriani dropped her cup on the floor, and it shattered. Indriani's whole body shivered.
"Oh my God. My child is still alive!"
She got up and nudged her husband. "Afzal, wake up. They're going to find our child!"
Afzal opened his eyes.
"What happened, woman? I was in the middle of a funny dream."
Indriani picked up the cup.
"The remains that were found in Grande Forest don't belong to our daughter. They are of a woman named Sheila."
The wrinkles became deeper on Afzal's forehead and his eyebrows met. He rose, dropping his newspaper.
"Why did you think they were hers in the first place?"
"Man, when you get up from your sleep, yuh act dotish."
"Sorry. My mind is still in sleepy mode."
"Our daughter is somewhere waiting to be rescued. The police must have some information by now."
"Why don't we visit the police station?" said Afzal.
"We'll go tomorrow."
"I'm going to bed now. You come as well. You've been on your feet all day," said Afzal.
"I can't sleep knowing that my child suffers who knows where. Why is life so cruel?" said Indriani.
They walked out of the living room.
"Life isn't cruel, but people are." Afzal caressed her back with his hand. "Try to get some sleep, honey."
They went into the bedroom and changed into pajamas. Indriani lay down on her left side with her husband behind her. He embraced her.
"Darling, get some rest. I'm sure they'll find she soon."
Indriani took hold of his hand and closed her eyes.
Jesus, please bring my only child home. Don't leave my grandchild motherless.
As the day for Sheila's funeral approached, Miguel felt more and more guilty, and blamed himself for his wife's death.
The day before the funeral, he called his childhood friend Aneesh and invited him to the pub.
They spent the day sitting outside the place, drinking beer. The pub was filled with women and men. Some sat at the tables and others stood around outside with drinks in their hands. Music wafted softly from overhead speakers.
"Are you still seeing that chick?" asked Aneesh.
"No, I told she to stay away from meh."
"I know this isn't the place and time to talk about it, but did Sheila know that you horn she with Candice? Where did you find she?"
Miguel put his glass down on the table and glanced over at some other men sitting not far from them.
"Man, your mouth is indeed big. Just hush a little bit nah. I met she on the highway. Her car shut down and seeing she on the road, I stopped to help she. I must say if it wasn't for she curves I might have passed she straight by. Later she invited me for a drink to thank me."
"And you run to meet she like a happy puppy?!"
Miguel signaled a passing waitress. "Hey, can I have some whisky with Sprite please?"
He turned back to Aneesh with a frown on his face. "Please stop it. I don't want to talk about she now. If I had known this was coming, I would have behaved differently and would never have taken late shifts. It's my fault."
The waitress brought a whiskey with Sprite, and as she was leaving Aneesh stared at her big, round bottom.
"Boy, she has a big bumsee ! It makes me horny."
"I can't stop blaming myself for her death. I should have been there more for her."
Miguel poured some Sprite into the glass of whisky. He took a few sips.
Aneesh looked over at his friend. "It's too late now to think about it. Life is such a thing that today you're alive and tomorrow you might not get up. You should have thought about it when Sheila was alive. However, you were too busy running after another skirt."
A tall dark-skinned woman with curly hair approached them.
"Hey, boys. What's up?" she said.
She hugged both and then sat down next to Aneesh.
"Nothing much, Vanessa. We're just talking," said Aneesh.
The waitress walked to another table. Aneesh couldn't take his eyes off her bottom.
Vanessa looked back and forth between her boyfriend and the waitress.
"What the hell is dis? I sit here and you watch she with your hungry eyes as if you want to take, she right here!"
She got up and started to leave. Aneesh caught her hand.
"Gyal, behave nah. Yuh always causing bacchanal. I looked at she chain on she neck. I only want you. Come and sit on my lap nah."
Vanessa grinned and sat on his lap, looking quite cozy. Aneesh ordered tequila for her.
The music changed to something livelier. Vanessa got up and pulled Aneesh's hand.
"Let's go dance."
They went a short distance from the table and moved to the music. She leaned forward and pressed her bottom against his private parts, moving in a such a way as to get him aroused. He grabbed onto her waist and closed his eyes.
Miguel sat gazing silently at them.
Then she faced Aneesh and put her arms around his neck. They kissed while some men leered at them.
"Waitress bring my bill please," said Miguel. When it came, he gave some money to the waitress and got up.
"I'm leaving. You stay and have fun," he said to Aneesh.
"Okay, see you at the funeral then," said Aneesh.
Miguel walked away.
It was four in the morning. Miguel tossed from side to side, during a nightmare. He saw himself running in a huge and murky forest. As he ran, his wife's sobs echoed in the air, getting more and more distant.
"Miguel, please help me!" she cried out.
Miguel peered through the trees, hoping to see her, but the fog affected his ability to see.
"Miguel, why aren't you coming for me?"
Miguel turned around. "Sheila, where are you? I'm coming!"
The fog began to ease up. He found himself surrounded by tall, huge trees that resembled monsters in the darkness.
As the fog lifted, he saw a woman walking slowly towards him. Her long hair fell over her face and her red dress was torn. Drops of blood fell from her, creating a puddle of blood around her.
She stopped and pushed her hair from her face, then she raised her head and stared into his eyes. Her arms stretched towards him. He noticed that she was being held back by hands holding her tightly.
"Miguel, please help me!"
When Miguel stared into her face, he recognized his wife. The bloody puddle grew bigger until it reached him.
The hands pulled her away.
"No! No! Let me go!"
The puddle of blood surrounded him, and then it rose to his waist. Miguel began drowning in Sheila's blood. He struggled to raise himself above it, but he sank
He awoke, sweating profusely. As he got out of bed, he could hear rain falling. He walked over to his window and gazed outside, where he could see water running down the road. He lit a cigarette and sat down on his bed. Guilt crawled like a spider, spreading webs into his heart.
He got her killed because of me. I must find a way to prove it. Kingpin must go to jail.
By 7 a.m., everyone in Elisa's house was up, preparing to attend Sheila's funeral service. Miguel put on a black suit, and his son got dressed in black pants with a white shirt. Nadia wore a grey dress with black shoes.
As Elisa combed her hair, Nadia entered her bedroom.
"Granny, Granny! Comb my hair please," she said, holding a white bow in her hand.
"Come closer then," said Granny.
She gently passed a brush over Nadia's hair.
"Granny, you're combing my hair softly, like Mummy did."
Elisa put her hair in a ponytail and gave her a smile.
"You go and sit on the sofa. I'll be there shortly."
Nadia hugged her and left the room.
At 8.30 a.m., they all left the house.
Miguel stopped the car right in front of the church's entrance. He opened the passenger's side and, holding an umbrella, hand walked his family one by one to the entrance. Leaving the umbrella by the door, he ran back to his car and drove it into the parking lot.
As Elisa entered the church with her grandchildren, she bumped into Father Piero, who stood not far from the door greeting the guests.
"Good morning, Father Piero," Elisa said.
"It is so nice to see you," Father Piero responded.
Nadia shyly hid behind her granny.
"How are you doing, Elisa?" Father asked.
"With Sheila gone, I'm taking it one day at a time. It helps to be looking after them."
The priest glanced at Miguel's children.
"I hope they don't give you trouble," he said jokingly.
"Not at all," said Elisa.
Father Piero glanced outside. A few guests rushed inside, soaking wet.
"Quite a rainy day we got today," he said.
"Yes, it is."
Elisa looked around and saw her son Kevin with his family.
"Where's Miguel?" Father asked.
"He went to park the car."
The hearse arrived, stopping not far from the church's entry.
"I'll talk to you later, Father," said Elisa.
She gestured to the children. "Let's go."
Elisa and her grandchildren walked towards her son Kevin. He was standing in the aisle with his wife and daughter. He was chatting with someone.
"Thanks be to God, we made it on time," said Elisa.
Kevin's family turned around.
"We came not too long as well," answered Kevin.
"Hi, Granny," said Shantel. She hugged her granny.
"You did well in SEA. Congratulations."
Shantel smiled, showing the braces on her teeth. "Thank you, Granny."
"Hey, you got braces as well?!"
"Yep, and every month I'll have different colors."
Elisa gazed at Ria.
"Ria, you look so slim—as if you were never pregnant. I need to shed a few pounds as well. What's your secret?"
"Maybe it's genetics. Or maybe it's because looking after children is one big exercise."
Elisa glanced at Miguel's children. "I know what you mean."
Kevin tousled Ronnel's hair. "Both of you look so grown- up." He addressed his mother. "By the way, where's Miguel?"
"He's parking the car," answered Elisa.
Ria glanced at the guests. "Can I borrow your grandchildren, please? We need to start giving out the program brochures."
"Sure."
Nadia gazed at Ria with a frown on her face. Ria gave Nadia, Shantel, and Ronnel brochures.
"Please walk through every row and distribute one to each person," she said.
Nadia took her brother's hand, ready to leave.
"Nadia, you come with me," said Ria.
Nadia let go of her brother's hand. He and Shantel walked away.
"Aunty, let's go," said Nadia, pulling Ria's hand. They walked towards the people coming in and handed out the programs.
Miguel walked up the stairs, soaking wet. As he came through the door, he bumped into Father Piero.
"Sorry, Father Piero, I was running away from the rain." said Miguel.
"Not a good day for rain at all. I remember it rained when your wife disappeared," said the priest.
"I am unable to forget it myself," said Miguel. His lip twitched.
"Please accept my condolences. May God be with you at this heartbreaking moment."
"Thank you, Father," said Miguel, staring inside the church.
"Your jacket is soaking wet. You should take it off."
Miguel nodded. "Perhaps you're right." He took off his jacket.
Kevin walked up to them and hugged his brother.
"Man, I am so sorry for your loss," he said.
They were interrupted by the driver from the funeral home, who had run inside.
"I need help taking the casket out of the van," he said.
A friend of Kevin's was standing by the entrance. Kevin asked him for help, and the four men went outside.
The driver pulled out the casket. Two on each side, the men took hold of the handles on the casket and lifted it.
A taxi stopped not far from them. A woman got out, wearing a black dress that stopped five inches above her knees, and black high-heeled shoes. She held a rose in her hand.
"Thank you," she said to the taxi driver.
Hearing her voice, Miguel raised his head and glared at her.
What the hell is she doing here?
She looked at him with a grin on her face. "Hi Miguel," she said.
The other men greeted her, tongue-tied.
She slowly climbed the steps and entered the church as the men stared at her bottom and legs.
"Who was dat? She couldn't find a better dress?"
"First time I see she."
Miguel watched as she left and noticed changes in her figure. Her body had become more toned, and her bottom seemed to be firmer and larger.
She doesn't look like a pregnant woman.
Slowly the men headed into the church. Everyone's eyes were on them as they carried the casket to the altar.
Miguel, however, didn't even notice. His mind was on other things.
Why did she come here?
The casket was set down on a wheeled stand by the altar. The priest walked towards it but stopped by the microphone.
"Please take your seats, and we will start celebrating Sheila's life."
Everyone sat down in the pews. Miguel, with his children and mother, took the first row on the right side. His brother and his family sat behind him. Sheila's relatives, including her mother, sat down in the first row on the left side.
Indriani and her husband took their seats a few rows behind Sheila's family.
Indriani stared at the coffin, feeling heaviness in her chest. For some unknown reason, she was unable to take her eyes away from it. A few drops of sweat formed on her temple and rolled down her cheek. Her brain felt as if something was squeezing it.
Feeling hot, she fanned herself with the brochure. She then clutched her husband's hand. He glanced at her, feeling her tension.
"Are you okay?"
"I don't know. I'm feeling weird."
"If you want, we can leave."
"No, it'll look bad."
Her attention fixed again on the coffin. Her heartbeat increased alarmingly.
Why am I feeling this way? It's as if my own child lies in the coffin. Oh, Lord I do feel their pain. Please strengthen this family in this hard time. And thank you for my child's life. It could have been her lying in this coffin.
Her eyes became moist, and sadness overwhelmed her heart. She looked at Jesus over the altar.
Jesus, please bring my child home. Without her our lives are empty.
A few rows up, Candice approached Khalisha.
"I am so sorry for your loss," she said, trying to look sad. It was hard to hide the spark in her eyes.
Sheila's mother lifted her head and looked at Candice.
"I'm one of Sheila's friends. She was a good soul."
"May I ask your name, please?"
A man stopped next to Candice, waiting for her to move.
"I am Candice."
She stared at the man. "Sorry," she said, and moved out of his way.
Miguel turned around and stared at Candice. His eyebrows furrowed.
Did she come here to intentionally cause trouble? Or does she really care?
He turned back around, blowing out a frustrated breath. I never could understand women.
Candice sat down behind Sheila's mother, and then gazed intently at Miguel.
Their eyes met. She smiled, then her attention fell on the coffin.
You're kept in a brothel, suffering like an animal, but everyone thinks that they're burying you. Ha! What a life!
Two women sitting in the back whispered to each other as they stared at Candice's back.
"I saw Miguel entering a hotel with this jagabat . He's been sleeping with this slut," said one of them, Sarah, whose nose was always in everyone's business.
"You could be mistaking her for someone else," said her friend Jahni.
"Gyal, my eyes are not blind. I know what I see."
"She's bold-faced. How could she show up at poor Sheila's funeral?" said Jahni.
Their conversation was interrupted by the priest as he began his speech.
"Our beloved Sheila was a mother, wife, and daughter, as well as a good friend to many. She lived her life peacefully, hoping to see her children going to university and getting married, but unfortunately her dreams were cut short by a death brought on by a heartless killer.
"She isn't the first or last victim. This country has buried many sons and daughters. And today the Caribbean pours its tears for every life taken away.
"Let Sheila's death be a wake-up call for all of us. Something must be done to change the crime situation on this island. Changes should start from us, and in our houses, first.
"Look into your lives and behavior. See what must be altered. Are you negligent as a parent or partner? Have you been abusive, or have you indulged in alcohol or an unhealthy lifestyle? Are you a bad influence on your family? What example do you set for your children?
"In many cases, crime is committed by those who have been neglected as a child, grew up without a father figure, were victims of abuse, or have witnessed a parent being abused.
"Ladies, make sure that your children are safe. Don't rush to bring a man into your life and under the same roof with your children. Know him well first.
"The next problem in our society is the fact that some men appease their sorrow and pain with a bottle of rum instead of finding a solution. They leave their wives and children alone at night while having fun in cheap rum shops. Rely on God instead and find a solution to your problems. Is being around friends and consuming alcohol better than having quality time with family? Be there for your wives and children. If you can't, you'll be replaced by someone else. Alcohol will never solve your problem.
"Women, spend time with your children instead of planning your liming, your carnival time, or spending so much time on social sites. Families, spend quality time together.
"Do you try to solve arguments in a civilized manner? Parents, do you monitor your child's online activities? So many lives are ruined because of dysfunctional relationships.
"I must say, death is not far. It is right behind you. Death is a painful experience for everyone. It can't be cheated, and it's a separation where you're no longer able to see or hear the ones that you love. It finds us unexpectedly, and it brings pain and sorrow. But what can we do? We must continue to carry on with our lives, hoping that one day we will meet our loved ones again. We should also keep praying for departed souls and give charity in their names.
"After death our bodies will rot and be eaten by worms, but the soul never dies. It will either enter the eternal fire of Hell or Paradise. The destination of our souls will be determined by the way we lived our lives. The soul of a man who built a good relationship with God, led a righteous life, and showed kindness to others will dwell in Paradise. However, a sinful life and unrepentance pushes one to Hell.
"Death is a rebirth, where the soul can finally go back home to the Lord. As you know, at the beginning of the existence of humanity there was no death, but only endless life. Unfortunately, due to Satan's work, humans invited sin into this world. And the cycle of life has changed. Humans were introduced to illnesses, suffering, pain, and death.
"By our own fault we allowed Satan to bring destruction to this world. That's why we're now saying goodbye to Sheila."
As the priest talked, Miguel kept wiping his face with a handkerchief. He cast his eyes on the casket, his heart feeling empty. He felt as if the whole world had collapsed over him.
If I had stopped them, she would be alive. But what can one man do against two?
Nadia was holding onto his hand tightly. He glanced at her.
Poor children. At this young age, they have to grow up motherless. How will I manage on my own? Maybe Candace will help me.
Nadia stared at the casket. She knew her mother lay in there but couldn't understand how she had gotten there.
Ronnel cried silently on the other side of his father. He couldn't take his gaze away from the casket. Understandably, he wanted to see his mother one more time.
Out of the blue, a loud wailing echoed throughout the church, making people turn their heads towards the sound. Miguel did the same, and realized that it was Sheila's mother, Khalisha.
Her crying became louder. Dark mascara spread on her face.
"My only child has gone! My joy of life was taken away from me. Why did they kill her?"
Tears rolled from her chin, landing on her dress. When Ronnel heard her sobs, the walls that had kept him strong collapsed. His cries became as ferocious and loud as hers.
"Daddy, Mummy died! I won't see her anymore!" he said through sobs.
Hearing their cries, the congregation poured forth a silent sympathy for the bereaved family.
Nadia also began crying.
"Why is Mummy in that box? Who put her there?"
The priest stopped talking and looked over at them in sadness.
Ria rushed towards Nadia and picked her up. "Don't cry, sweetie. Everything is going to be fine."
Nadia lifted her head and gazed at Ria. Her eyes were filled with tears.
"Aunty, Mummy went to Heaven."
Ria walked outside, carrying Nadia with her. The church quieted down a little.
"I understand that today is a difficult time for all of you, but you must be strong and keep going on," said Father Piero.
Sheila's mother got up and rushed towards the casket. She embraced it, resting her head on it.
"Why did they take my child away from me? She never did anything to anyone."
Her son Dan rushed to her side.
"Mummy, please calm down."
He gently removed her from the casket. "Let's go, Mummy."
"I didn't give her life only to have someone cruelly end it."
"Come, Mummy."
"Please leave me alone. She was my angel and the joy of my eye. What am I going to do without her?"
Dan embraced his mother. "Mummy let's go back to our seats. It's hard for all of us."
She finally let go, and they walked to their seats.
"I can't even see her. They hid she in the casket."
Father Piero's eyes followed them. He took a deep breath and spoke.
"It is a sad day for all of us. Today many of you pour out tears of pain and sorrow. And your hearts are filled with anger. No matter how painful it is, you must find forgiveness and peace in your minds and hearts. You should continue living and keep moving forward. One day, when the time comes, you'll meet your loved ones.
"I do hope that this negativity will serve as a catalyst for change, where you not only look after yourself but after your neighbor as well. So many times, people have witnessed someone being abused, but they have never bothered to interfere or report it to the police. Consequently, abuse has continued and, in some cases, resulted in death. So please do not let Sheila's death go in vain. Change and change."
After talking for a while, Father Piero invited other people to say a couple of words about Sheila.
Her friend Anisa walked to the microphone. She was a tall, dark-skinned woman.
"Sheila was my childhood friend. We went to the same high school and university. She was a very caring and ambitious young woman."
Tears formed in Anisa's eyes. Her voice became shaky.
"She was always there for me and for others. I've always admired her personality--especially her stubbornness, fearlessness, and the strength of her spirit. She's gone, but she will always be in my memory and everyone else's too. Thank you."
She walked back to her bench, wiping her tears.
Then the priest said a few prayers and blessed the guests. The funeral service ended.
People got up. Some began talking to each other while others left.
Ria came back with Nadia. Kevin, with Shantel and Elisa, stood not far from Miguel.
Elisa came up to her son, and they hugged for a moment.
"I'm here for you, son," she whispered.
"Thank you, Mummy," he said.
As soon as Nadia saw her father, she took his hand.
"Daddy, the rain stopped. I saw puddles outside."
He stroked her head. "They'll dry as soon as it becomes hotter."
Ronnel slowly walked to his mother's casket. He put his hand on it.
"Mummy, I wish you weren't dead. I miss you really a lot."
Miguel gazed at his son and made a step to go to him. Kevin took hold of his hand.
"Leave him. He needs to say good-bye to her."
"Daddy said that you're in a better place now. But how am I going to live without you? I need you. Why did criminals take you away from us?"
Ronnel's eyes became teary again. He gazed at his father and then at the casket.
"Ronnel, come son," said Miguel.
"It's unfair, Mummy. I won't be hearing your voice or seeing your face anymore."
Elisa went over to him. "Let's go, child."
"Bye, Mummy. I have to go now," he whispered.
He hugged his granny and they walked away.
When Miguel turned around, he almost collided with Candice, who had approached them unnoticed.
"Please accept my condolences," she said.
She embraced him and then let him go.
Miguel glanced at his family and then at her. "Thank you."
She made a few steps towards the casket with a rose in her hand. Miguel followed her.
Candice set the rose on the casket.
Miguel whispered, "What are you doing here?"
"I came to show my support, and I missed you a lot."
"You shouldn't be here at all. What if they suspect something?"
Miguel turned and gazed at his family. Then he wiped his forehead with a handkerchief.
Ronnel stared at Candice's back. He tried to recall where he had heard her voice. And her perfume smelled familiar to him.
"Granny, who is that lady?" he asked.
She shrugged her shoulders. "She must be one of your mother's friends."
"Oh. Okay."
"Please leave now. I'll call you later," Miguel said.
"See you later then," she whispered.
She turned around and glanced at his family. Then she walked away and left the church, unable to hide her joy. With a triumphant smile on her face, she stood outside waiting for a taxi. A few men stared at her figure, but she paid them no mind.
My plan worked well. I can step in and marry him.
A private taxi stopped.
"Hi beautiful. Do you need a ride?" asked the driver, a leer on his face.
Candice stared at his car and then at him.
"No, thank you," she lied.
A couple of months ago a woman had been raped by a taxi driver, and this made Candice cautious. She refused to get driven by unknown drivers.
Another cab stopped.
"Hi, Candice. Are you waiting for a ride?"
She smiled, "Yes I am."
"Hop in then," he said.
Candice sat in the back next to two women passengers, and the taxi drove away.
After his lover had gone, Miguel rested his hand on the casket.
I never imagined that we would be separated this way. I loved you. You were the mother of my children. I'm so sorry that I couldn't protect you or do anything to stop your kidnapping. I promise that I'll find whoever did this to you and make sure he spends the rest of his life in jail, along with Kingpin.
The hearse driver came up to Miguel.
"Sir, it's time to take her to the cemetery. Can you please help me carry the casket back to the van?"
Miguel looked over at his assembled family. "Ria, please take the children with you. I'll see you later. Mummy, are you coming with me?"
"Yes, I am."
"Daddy, can I come with you too?" asked Ronnel.
"No, son."
Miguel, Kevin, and the driver walked to the casket. Father Piero joined them, and together they took hold of the handles and carried the coffin to the van.
From there Miguel, Kevin, Elisa, and Sheila's relatives, as well as Father Piero, headed to the cemetery.
7th February.
Sheila woke up in the early morning hours to the sound of loud voices and sobs. Curious, she got out of bed and moved to the door.
"Please take me back home!" shouted a girl's voice.
Sheila opened the door and tiptoed upstairs. She crept up to the guest room's door and opened it a little.
A child of about thirteen years of age was struggling with Victor, trying to pull her hand away from his fist.
Sheila gasped as she saw the girl bite his hand.
"You stupid dog!" he shouted as he pushed her away from him. She fell, and stayed on the floor, trembling.
"I'll chain you and keep you like a dog."
"No! I don't want to be here," she mumbled.
Bernadette, who was also in the room, marched up to the girl and raised her hand, ready to strike.
"If you don't shut up, I'll beat you like an animal."
The girl became quiet and silently regarded the woman. Her eyes were red and wet.
"Fat meanie," she whispered.
"What did you say?" demanded Bernadette.
The poor child moved backwards.
"Listen carefully. You're going to stay here for some time. If you listen to us and do what you are told, we'll allow you go home. Do you understand?"
"Yes, I do," answered the girl.
Rage filled Sheila as she watched them. She wanted to rush in and choke Victor; she squeezed her hand into a fist as she worked to stop herself.
I'm not going to let them ruin this child's life!
"Take her to Camille," Bernadette instructed her henchman. "She'll look after her."
Victor grabbed the girl's hand. "Let's go, doggy," he said.
She refused to move. He pulled her ear to make her get up.
"Ouch! That hurts!"
He let go of her ear and took hold of her hand.
"Come with me!"
She began pushing him away.
"No, please!" She turned a pleading look toward Bernadette. "I don't want to go with him!"
He pushed her away, making her fall again.
Sheila opened the door and rushed towards the two of them. She stood in front of the girl.
"Victor, please don't hurt the child. Allow me to take care of her."
Victor stared into Sheila's eyes.
"Okay. Make sure she knows what she's expected to do," he said.
The poor girl's lips trembled and sweat ran down her face. She stood up and hid behind Sheila, afraid to move.
Sheila turned towards her.
"Let's go, child," she said gently, taking her hand.
They hurried to Sheila's bedroom. On the way, Sheila saw Daniela standing by the door.
"What's going on?" she whispered.
"Go back to your room. We'll talk tomorrow," said Sheila.
As soon as Sheila entered the bedroom, she led the girl to the bed.
"Sit here and don't move."
Sheila left the bedroom to get a glass of water. On her return, she found the little one sitting on the bunk bed, staring at the door.
"Please drink some water."
The girl took the glass from Sheila and drank it slowly.
Suddenly there were footsteps in the corridor. The little guest, upon hearing the steps, clutched Sheila's hand and burst into tears. Sheila embraced her, and the girl buried her face into Sheila's chest, crying.
"They're coming for me!"
"Calm down! No one is there."
"Please take me home."
"They lock the doors. I can't leave this place."
Sheila wiped the girl's tears.
They're going to take her innocence and childhood and destroy her soul. I can't even prevent it.
"My name is Sheila. What's your name?"
The girl calmed down a little bit.
"I am Violeta."
"How old are you?"
"I'm thirteen." Violeta looked at the door.
"How did you get here?" asked Sheila.
"That monster came and spoke to my mom, and then took me with him."
Violeta told Sheila how Victor had come with Bernadette to her house very late at night. She had been in a deep sleep, dreaming about a sinking boat. The loud voices coming out of the living room had woken her up. She had gotten out of bed and, burning with curiosity, had tiptoed to the living room and had stood by the doorway.
She had seen her mother on her knees. Bernadette had been standing before her, looking down at her.
The mother had grabbed Bernadette's hand.
"I beg you, have heart! Please give me four more months."
Bernadette had pulled out her hand.
"No. I waited long enough. Either pay back the money or vacate this house."
Violeta's mother had stood up slowly and walked to Victor.
"I have children, and I've lost my husband. Where will I go with them? Only four months, please."
Victor had pushed her away and she had fallen.
Violeta had run towards her. "Leave my mummy alone!"
She hugged her sobbing mother.
"Mummy, why are these strangers in our house?"
Her brother, upon hearing the voices, had hidden under the bed. As far as Violeta knew, he was still safe.
Bernadette had come up to Violeta and her mother and had pulled the girl away. She turned her around, and had scrutinized her, nodding approvingly at the girl's fair complexion and long hair.
"I'll take her instead of money," she had declared.
Violeta's mother had shaken her head and pulled her daughter to herself.
"Not my child!"
"Then give me my money. I'll call the police and accuse you of stealing. My patience is ticking away."
Violeta's mother had heaved a huge sob and pushed her daughter towards them.
"Take her and don't come here anymore," she had said through her tears.
Violeta had run towards her mother and grabbed onto her, but she pushed her away.
"You have to go. I have no choice."
"Mummy, please don't give me away!"
Victor had dragged her away, then had lifted her from the floor. She had begun kicking and screaming. Victor had pulled a gun from his pocket and pointed it at her forehead.
"Stop it or I'll shoot you."
Instantly, Violeta became quieter. She had twisted around and stared at her mother, teary-eyed.
She hadn't even raised her eyes.
"I hate you, Mother," Violeta had whispered.
Victor and Bernadette had then taken Violeta away from her home and family.
Back from her memories, Violeta raised her head and stared into Sheila's eyes. Her own eyes narrowed.
"My mother didn't do anything to stop them. She's a betrayer, and I hate her!"
Sheila stood up and pulled back the blanket on the top bed.
"Don't speak that way about your mother." Sheila couldn't help but feel the same rage Violeta was feeling, but she had to help keep some goodness in the child. "It's time for you to sleep. Climb up and go to sleep, and we'll talk tomorrow."
Violeta got up and climbed onto the top bunk. She lay down and covered herself with the blanket.
"Aunty Sheila, why are you here?"
"No more talking, please," said Sheila. She turned off the light.
Violeta leaned over the side of the bed and looked at Sheila.
"Aunty, where are we?"
Sheila looked into the child's eyes and smiled.
"Child, sleep nah."
Violeta lay back down on the pillow and turned onto her right side.
Sheila lay in bed, feeling very anxious. She tried to keep her eyes wide open, even though sleep was taking over. All her attention was on the door.
She knew that, once Bernadette was in a deep sleep, he would come.
Eventually she was unable to fight off the sleepiness any longer. She had just begun to doze off when her ear caught the squeaking sound of the door and then cautious steps.
Sheila opened her eyes and sat up to see Victor carefully walking towards her.
"It's time for you to give me what's due," he said, taking off his vest.
Sheila got up and looked over at Violeta. She slept soundly.
Victor came up closer and put his hand on Sheila's hair. She pushed him away.
"Don't you see there's a child here?"
"So what? She's sleeping."
He caressed her cheek. She pushed him away again.
"Leave me alone, you freak!"
Victor grabbed her hair and pulled hard.
"Listen, bitch. I must put up with your bullshit every night. Why can't you just obey me?"
Violeta turned on her left side, talking in her sleep. "Mummy! Mummy! Come back for me!"
Victor glanced at Violeta.
"I can get whatever I need from her. She's young and juicier."
He took hold of Violeta's blanket, ready to pull it off. Sheila grabbed hold of his hand and pulled him away from the bed.
"Don't touch her," she whispered. "I'll do whatever you want."
"Go into the bathroom," he ordered.
Dragging her feet slowly, Sheila went into the bathroom. Victor followed her. He closed the door and pushed Sheila into the shower stall.
Sheila shook violently, feeling disgusted. Her head felt dizzy.
"What the hell are you doing just standing there? Take off your clothes!"
"No! If you touch me again, I'm going to tell Bernadette that you're raping the girls at night."
Victor removed his belt from his pants.
"I said, take off your clothes. Face the wall!" he ordered.
She merely stood there and glared at him.
He swung his fist at her. Sheila put her arms up to defend herself. Tears of frustration and anger cascaded down her cheeks.
Sheila grabbed the belt and tried to take it away from him. "Why do you torment me?"
Violeta was awakened by the sounds coming out of the bathroom. Shaking, she put her blanket over her head and cried silently.
Victor pulled the belt away from Sheila and kicked her in the belly. The kick pushed her back against the wall. He lashed her with the belt. Then he put his hands around Sheila's neck and squeezed.
"Please stop it!" she begged, staring into his eyes.
He let go of her neck. She began coughing, holding onto the wall for support.
"You're a fighter. I kind of admire your inner strength," Victor told her.
Everything began spinning before her eyes. A weakness came over her. Then her vision became foggy. Sheila passed out and slipped to the floor.
Victor checked the pulse on her neck. He then put his belt back on his pants and left the bathroom. Wasting no time, he ran out of her bedroom.
Once Victor left, Violeta got down out of the bed. She watched the door for a moment, shaking with fear. Then she tiptoed to the bathroom.
Seeing Sheila motionless on the floor, she hurried towards her. She stooped down and touched her shoulder.
"Please get up. Don't leave me here alone," she said, tears running down her face. She picked up a small hand towel and wet it. Then she wiped Sheila's face.
"Please wake up. Please! I need you."
Sheila groaned and moved. She opened her eyes and gazed at Violeta.
"Where is he?"
"He left."
Feeling weak and still trembling, she got up. Pain ran through her body.
"Ouch!"
She stumbled back to her bed, holding onto Violeta's hand.
"What did he do to you, Aunty?"
"He beat me with his belt. Stay away from him. He's an evil man."
Violeta helped her to lie down.
"Can I please lie down next to you? He might come back," she said.
"Sure."
Violeta lay down next to Sheila.
"Aunty Sheila, what place is this?"
"This is a very horrible place."
Sheila felt heaviness in her heart. She wanted to scream out so loudly that the whole world would hear her. But this helpless and innocent child in her arms caused her to refrain from showing her weakness and pain. She just lay staring at the celling.
"Aunty Sheila, are we going to get out of here?"
"Child, leave talking for tomorrow. Please try to sleep."
Violeta raised her head.
"But Aunty…."
Sheila put a finger on Violeta's mouth and said, "Tish. I'll answer your questions tomorrow."
Sheila turned on her right side.
How am I going to protect this child? I can't even protect myself. I need to find a way for us to get out.
Her tears ran down onto the pillow.
"Life can be so cruel." She sighed deeply.