Gems of Strength

Gems of Strength

Gems of Sisterhood 1

An Anthology

By The Sisterhood

This book is a work of fiction by a variety of authors. Any names, characters, places, and incidents are entirely fictional and products of the authors’ imaginations. Any resemblance to actual people, living or dead, locations, or incidents, is coincidental.

© 2016 by Metamorph Publishing and The Sisterhood: Alana Madden, Ann Harrison, Ashley Melanson, Chrissy Moon, Christie Sratos, Claire Plaisted, Elizabeth Horton-Newton, Jane Rose Frances, Jennifer L. Roche and Rainbows of Happiness, LLC, Karen J. Mossman, Kirsten Campbell, Kristy Wagner, LG Surgeson, Markie Madden, Mistral K. Dawn, Natasha Madden, Thanna A. Setliff, and Valarie Savage Kinney.

Cover art © 2016 by Rachel Bostwick

All rights reserved. No portion of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means- electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, scanning, or other--except for brief quotations in critical reviews or articles--without the express written permission of the publisher.

The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without by monetary gain, is investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is punishable by up to five (5) years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000.

Any brand and product names used in this book are trademarks, registered trademarks, or trade names of their respective holders. This book is not affiliated with any product or vendor within these pages.

ISBN# 978-1523888641

Smashwords ISBN# 978-1310422447

AISN B01CDJ784G

Published in Fisk, MO USA by Metamorph Publishing

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

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This anthology contains work by the following authors (in alphabetical order):

Alana Madden--Angel Strong

Ann Harrison--A Whirlwind of Memories

Ashley Melanson--Fox

Chrissy Moon--Bettina

Christie Stratos--Focal Point

Claire Plaisted--Deep in the Valley

Elizabeth Horton-Newton--Burned Toast

Jane Rose Frances--Dancing with Lilacs in My Hair

Jennifer L. Roche--Hidden Identities

Karen J. Mossman--The Road to Happiness

Kirsten Campbell--The Gravedigger’s Mark

Kristy Wagner--See

LG Surgeson--Any Kind of Velvet

Markie Madden--Vanquish

Mistral Dawn--Childish Things (Chessie’s Story)

Natasha Madden--Undeniable Love

Thanna A. Setliff--Combustion

Valarie Savage Kinney--A Mother’s Heart

Publisher’s Note

This book is a collection of short stories from authors all over the world. Some of the stories utilize the United Kingdom English spellings, which may seem odd to some readers in the United States. But, rest assured, these are acceptable spellings in the UK, and that’s why they have been left in the book rather than being corrected to their acceptable US spellings.

The stories in Gems of Strength are intended to showcase the inner strength of women. Each story features a strong female protagonist and details her struggle to overcome some obstacle in her life. I hope you’ll enjoy this anthology, and look for our Gems of Gratitude to come later this year in early November.

Dedicated to all the strong women of the world, those who have been through the worst trials imaginable and come out stronger for it! Remember the saying, behind every great man is an even greater woman!

Angel Strong by Alana Madden

Present Day

The man screams. He isn’t completely terrified, just scared. My eyes glow white. I was pure good, still am sort of, so my eyes don’t glow black like demons’. I’m not evil, just rebellious. I don’t follow orders very well, so I was cast away. I’m not good enough for her. I will get her back, though.

Chut’e Ange! the Frenchman exclaims. I smirk. I like the sound of that.

Indeed. He understands English, he just doesn’t speak it. You’re going to need an angel to save your ass, from me. Call him. He mutters in incoherent French. I draw my knife and slit his throat. The last sound he makes is a gurgling as he tries to draw air into his lungs. He slides down the brick wall slowly, his pale hands, throat, and blond hair coated in his own blood. I only killed him to send a message and summon...

What are you doing? Speak of the devil (not literally).

Calling for you. I reply shortly.

Are you crazy?!

I smile sarcastically. Possibly.

He rolls his eyes. You are insane.

I smile again. Probably.

What do you want?

Do you agree with her? I ask, getting right to the point.

Anna...

I want the truth.

You know I can’t...

I groan. You can’t stay neutral in this, Michael! It’s me or her. Which is it?

Anna, you’re my dearest friend, he says.

Why do I sense a ‘but’ coming?

Come on, Anna! She is our ruler, and she loves us!

She is a conceited, controlling bitch!

You deserved to be cast out, he whispers.

I reel back, stunned and hurt. What?

"You’re not one of us. You’re not an angel. You’re damned, Anna. That’s the worst thing to say to an angel. She created us."

Yeah, all of us. Including the humans. Tell me, can you do it? Can you kill them? The humans you envy so much?

He looks away, clenching his jaw. I will do what I must.

Then we’re both damned. I say.

He turns back to me, sadness in his eyes. I’m sorry, Anna, I really am.

"I know. But understand this: I will stop her, no matter the cost." He knows I mean I would kill him if I had to.

I get it. I wouldn’t expect any less from you.

Are you sure you want to proceed down this path?

"My decision is made and my side is chosen. I’m sorry, but you will always be my dearest friend," he answers. With the sound of flapping wings and a rush of air, my best friend is gone.

Two Days Earlier

We meet in five minutes. I walk down the crisp, clean, white corridors until I get to the meeting room. I enter and take my seat. The room is completely silent. That’s how angels are. Quiet. Morrigan comes in, flanked by her two bodyguards. Her strapless, black cocktail dress is simple, but it hugs her curves and highlights them. When she speaks, her melodic and alto voice is firm, yet soft.

Greetings, angels. Thank you for coming. I have grave and urgent news. She pauses. The humans are killing this planet. I cannot heal it. They cannot be allowed to continue this. She lets her words sink in. I am sending all of you in two days to deal with them.

What?! I stand up, my legs slamming the chair into the wall. "Are you crazy? These are your sons, your daughters!" She’s surprised by my outburst, but covers it with a stern look. She never likes anyone to oppose her.

You will do as I say, Anna. My word is law.

Sit down! Michael whispers harshly.

"I’m sorry, Your Holiness, but I can’t, and I won’t, slaughter them. They deserve to live as much as we do! Their love, their trust, their worship isn’t enough for you? You need more power?" A glance at Michael’s panicked face tells me I went too far.

Morrigan’s lips press into a hard line. Fine. If you want to defend them, then you can die with them. You are hereby banished from Heaven. Everyone is frozen in shock. You shall be stripped of your powers but keep your wings as a reminder of your banishment. You have until tomorrow, or as punishment you shall be cast into Hell like the demon you are, she states firmly.

Michael stands up, confident but a little nervous. Your Holiness, she is a great angel and a good asset. I think...

Sit down and be silent or you shall join her! Morrigan booms. He quickly sits back down, his guilt evident in his eyes when he glances at me. All the others are silent, their eyes respectfully and guiltily downcast. This makes me angry, her easy dismissal, their unwillingness to come to my aid. I’m doing the dumbest thing ever; I think, what could it hurt? I make an Oath.

I swear on the purity of my soul, that I shall return and make you rue this day. Her eyes flare with extreme anger, her power manifesting around her. Michael’s face is panic-stricken. I’m insane now, and I recognize it.

New Present Day

I’m on my own now, Michael will be of no help. The man I killed gets up, healed by my friend.

I point at the road. Get out of my sight, I growl. I’m too overwhelmed to deal with this. He whimpers and takes off. I probably traumatized him, but I don’t care.

Damn it, Michael! I scream. My best friend abandoned me. I sink to my knees. For the first time in my entire existence, I’m alone. I must save humanity by myself, which will be close to—if not completely—impossible. The humans better be damn grateful, I risked entire my existence for them.

Wait. I think aloud. That demon-hunting couple could help me. Then I’m gone, seeking the man and his wife. I appear in their motel room.

Holy shit! the man exclaims, shooting me in the chest with his shotgun. Maybe this wasn’t the best approach, Anna. Blood wells up, soaking my shirt. Then it heals.

Ouch! Just because I heal doesn’t mean it won’t hurt! His wife throws holy water in my face. It only makes me seem to glow.

I sigh, wiping water out of my eyes. Are you quite done testing me? I ask irritably.

Who are you? The woman is skeptical.

Hello, Kane and Amelia Chaplin. Their eyes narrow in suspicion. I’m Anna and I’m an angel. The looks on their faces tell me they don’t believe me.

I’m here, I say, because I need your help.

Our help? Amelia asks. How could we possibly be of any help?

God wants to destroy all humans.

And you don’t back him up? Aren’t you all supposed to be his bitches?

I glare at Kane. "I don’t back her up because I know that she’s stupid and selfish. You humans have the best life and deserve to live it."

What’s so great about our lives?

You’re free. Free to live, to feel, and to make your own choices.

What about the pain of emotions? Heartbreak?

I want the freedom to perceive that, too. I don’t want to be an emotionless robot.

Kane scoffs. That’s a new one.

I narrow my eyes at him. You best mind your manners, boy. I risked everything for you humans! Kane looks away with a guilty look.

Wait, Amelia says. I stare at her. You made your own choice. You chose to come here. To rebel.

I purse my lips in thought. That’s true, but I paid a high price for it.

Right. What do you need us to do?

A very powerful demon is trying to bring about the Apocalypse.

So you want us to stop it?

Not just you. Gather every hunter you can. If you work together, we might be able to convince Morrigan to spare you all.

Might?! Amelia screeches. We’re going on a ‘might’?

At the moment, it’s the best we’ve got.

She composes herself and they both nod. I tell them the address, and make them call their hunter friends.

Well? I ask when they finish calling.

About fifteen are joining us.

I bite my lip. That’ll have to do. Remember, there will be many demons. Gather your things. They do.

By the way, why can’t you kill him yourself?

One: he’ll sense me before I can get close, two: he has written angel warding so I can’t get in, and three: I boast no powers. Morrigan let me keep my wings, but that was all.

Could you excuse us for a minute? Kane pulls Amelia away. I act like I can’t hear them. I can get parts of their conversation like ‘can’t trust her’ and ‘might be using us’ and ‘they lie’. It’s insulting. Finally, they break apart and walk over to me.

Let’s do this, Amelia says. Kane heads towards the door.

Where are you going? I ask.

To pack the car. His tone implies an of course after.

No. Come here. Driving will take too long. He walks over. I put my hands on their shoulders and appear before a rundown apartment. They stumble and gag.

Sorry. Should have warned you. Now, hurry in there, I point at a warehouse down the road as their friends show up, before they find out we’re here. They take off and I stay where I am. I remember when I made that Oath, vowing to return. I was stupid to do it. Suddenly, Michael appears in front of me.

Fine, I’ll help you. But, I won’t make an Oath.

I never asked you to, I say quietly.

He sighs. Remember the last time an Oath was made?

Of course. Morrigan created Hell and banished Lucifer to it, never able to leave. Then, he became the Devil, the ultimate force against her. I state, matter-of-fact.

Exactly.

Michael, I understand what you’re trying to say, but I’m not like Lucifer.

"I can comprehend the dilemma, Anna, but I’m worried for you. Morrigan is furious; I’ve never seen her like this. I’m afraid of what she’s going to do."

Hopefully, after this is over, she’ll forgive me.

I’m not sure, Anna. I hope so.

Me, too, dear friend.

Anna, I’m sorry. For not seeing it sooner...

Stop it. You’re my dearest friend. No apologies necessary. Better late than never.

He smiles. You’re too forgiving.

Don’t you feel freer now? To be able to experience freely, to make our own decisions?

Yeah. It’s... amazing.

I laugh, overjoyed. It’s me and you against the world now, Michael! I fling my arms into the sky and let out a whoop.

By the way, Anna, where are we and why?

Oh! I forgot to tell him my plan. So, I tell him. He stares off into the distance, contemplating.

It won’t work.

We must try, Michael.

I know, but I think this is the wrong approach.

Well, do you have a better plan?

Give me a few hours. Then, he flies off.

Mich... I groan in frustration. He can be so arrogant and mysterious sometimes! You better hurry, Michael! I growl inside.

He’s true to his word. A few hours later, he returns with a hopeful expression on his face.

I have a better plan. I wait patiently for him to continue. There’s a Gypsy. She’s seen two different futures for humanity. Morrigan created Gypsies, so she’d realize the woman is legit. We could make the woman show Morrigan her visions.

"That’s great! She would have to listen to her then! I turn away. And if one of those futures is where humanity is destroyed and it’s bad, Morrigan will be forced to spare humans," I muse.

Only one problem, Michael says. I turn back. She doesn’t trust angels and has warding on her and on places she goes. We can’t go near her.

I’ve got a solution. The hunters who are killing that demon would help. We wait for them to return. When they do, we ask them to speak to the Gypsy, and they agree. I take them as close as I can and they walk in. A while later, they return, shaking their heads.

Damn it! I yell. The hope in Michael’s eyes is gone. Fine, I’ll settle this myself.

What are you going to do? You can’t go back to Heaven.

"Like hell I can’t! She can’t keep me out!" I focus all of my rage and find myself in Heaven.

Morrigan appears. How did you get here?

You can’t banish me! And, you can’t eliminate humanity! We need them!

You will not disobey me! Morrigan roars. You will go back to Earth!

No! I will do whatever I must, to save humanity! I retort.

Fine. You leave me no choice. She attacks me with her power, but it rebounds off my own power. She is shocked. I attack her with my own strength and she blocks it, but some gets through and hits her square in the chest. She coughs blood, but continues to attack me.

We’re locked in a fierce battle of wills. Her fire hits my lightning, lighting up all of Heaven. Angels flee to Earth to escape our battle, but some aren’t quick enough. Our battle rocks Heaven and down to Earth. Even Hell can sense our powers rebounding.

You will not beat me! I scream, and throw everything I have into one last attack. It hits her in her core. Angels have only one vital point, a point only another angel or demon can hit. Even then, very few can hit it. Her essence evaporates and I can feel her rank burn itself into my essence. I am now God. Every angel, human, and demon can perceive the change. The angels come to worship me, the humans’ pictures and images of her changes to me, and the demons hide down in Hell.

Michael comes to me, a smile on his face. You beat her, Anna... I mean Your Holiness.

Enough of that. My name is Anna, and all will use it.

Of course, The angels reply.

There will be changes around here. They begin immediately.

Whatever you wish, Anna. We are yours to command, the archangel says with humble respect. I’d won. I’d gotten my way and saved humanity. But, now the responsibility of being God rests on my shoulders. I’m not sure if I can pull it off.

You will be a great God, Michael adds.

Thank you, I answer. I’m not sure what will happen in the future. I wonder if this was one of the futures the Gypsy saw, but I will try to make it a good future. Morrigan was corrupt, I can only hope I will not be the same. Things will change around here, I’ll make sure of it. Humanity will not suffer under my rule. And so the world lived on, oblivious...

A Whirlwind of Memories by Ann Harrison

A girl in her mid-twenties stands at the edge of a cliff, overlooking the surrounding meadow. As she leans forward to inspect the ripples on the shore, the ground seems to melt into nothingness. She takes a nosedive for the earth below, but before she lands, a strange whirlwind picks her up and lofts her up into the air.

Where do you want to go my child? A soothing, but unusual voice whispers to her.

Take me home, oh gentle whirlwind.

Where is your home, my child? Kelly gives the wind the address, but the voice whispers, I am unfamiliar with street addresses my child, come with me, and I’ll take you to a land where your parents will take you in, and you'll be safe and happy for the rest of your life.

Where are you taking me?

Just follow me and you will see.

No, I want to go home, I want to go home, I want to go hooooooome!

Kelly, Kelly, wake up. You must wake up now. The nurse placed a gentle hand on Kelly Dobson’s shoulder. At the age of 25, Kelly still didn’t like it when people sneaked up on her, so she tried to ignore the distant voice that spoke to her. Come on Kelly, you need to wake up now. Your operation was successful; it’s time to come back to the land of the living.

What surgery? Kelly tried to open her eyes. Hey wait a minute! I can’t see! Why can I not see?

You were in a horrible car accident, my dear.

Okay, but that doesn’t explain why I can’t see my hand in front of my face. Kelly waved her hand in frustration. And furthermore, my head hurts; all I want to do is sleep!

You can’t go back to sleep until the doctor examines you.

She wanted to scream in frustration. Nothing the nurse said to her made any sense, and no one would answer her questions. I want my mom, she whined.

She will see you when we take you to your room. The nurse helped her slide onto the stretcher before wheeling her into her hospital room.

Oh mom, why am I really here? I can’t see anything. The nurse tucked her into bed, and left her to talk to her parents, while she checked on other patients.

What are you talking about? You’ve been blind for the past six years, sweetheart. What has the nurse told you, dear? Jane Dobson gave her husband a strange look. John, what has happened to our baby girl?

Mom, they told me that I have been in a bad car accident. She told me that my operation was successful. The nurse wouldn’t answer my questions, just acted like I should have known what she was talking about. Now my head is throbbing, and I need something for the pain. She says I can’t sleep until the doctor sees me. Kelly tried to blink back the tears that stung her eyes, to no avail.

I’ve got to talk to the nurse and then talk to Kelly’s doctor. Something is going on here, and I want to find out what. John stepped out of the room, leaving the door open behind him. He stopped short at the sight of a young lady in her mid-twenties, wearing a nurse’s uniform. Excuse me ma’am, I need to see Kelly Dobson’s doctor.

Kelly who? The nurse glanced at her charts and stopped short when she saw Kelly’s name. Oh yes, but I don’t see the name of a doctor who has taken her case. All I see is that she had some kind of surgery, and that she has just left recovery. She’s in room 301, right?

That’s right, she’s complaining of a massive headache. Can you get her something for the pain, and can you find out what doctor performed her surgery?

Wait right here, while I go in search of some answers for you, or on second thought, I’ll come check on Miss Dobson myself. My name is Dr. Andrews, and if worse comes to worse, I’ll add her as one of my patients. The doctor sauntered down the hall while John stepped back into his daughter’s room.

I met up with a Dr. Andrews, who looked at first to me like a nurse, and she’s gonna find out what’s going on. There’s no doctor listed on your chart.

Do you think that this is a case of a mysterious hospital visit? Do you think that they could have gotten Kelly mixed up with another patient? Jane flopped down on her daughter’s bed.

I don’t know, but I do need something for my headache. Kelly moaned as the doctor stepped into the room

Hello Kelly, I brought a mild pain killer. This will have to do until we can get to the bottom of this medical mystery. Kelly swallowed the pill with some water and settled back against her pillows. Now, let me examine you, so we know what is causing the problem.

As Dr. Markie Andrews examined Kelly, she explained what she’d been told by the recovery room nurse, when she awoke. Hmm, that is very interesting. Your chart doesn’t show any signs of trauma to the brain or any other parts of your body. You have been blind for several years, according to the information I have, is that correct?

Well, yes, but there are times when I think I can see images as clear as day. She sat up in bed and began to orient herself to her surroundings. This is the strangest hospital bed I’ve ever seen, Doc. I mean the rail on the side looks the same, but I don’t see any controls or anything, and the rail moves outward.

You’re right, my dear. Now, can you get on your feet and walk around the room for me?

She did as she was asked, feeling her way from the bed to the bathroom and back. I’ve never seen a hospital room like this before. Where is my call button should I need anything? This looks more like a hotel room.

The doctor placed the call button under Kelly’s hand. Why don’t you get some rest, and I’ll be back tomorrow to see how you’re feeling. There are no bandages or stitches anywhere on your body, and except for a headache, you seem to have no complaints at all. The doctor stepped out of the room, scratching her head in complete bafflement. Something strange is definitely going on here, and I aim to find out what.

She drifted back into the whirlwind that broke her fall. Do not be afraid my child, I wish to show you something.

I can’t see with my physical eyes. Who are you, and why have you kept me from falling?

My name is Angel, and I need your help. You must listen, for in the wind, you will hear the voices that I have picked up recently.

Okay, how can I help you by listening to the voices in the wind?

Be forewarned, these messages may not make sense at first, but once you begin to piece them together, you will be able to solve my mystery. Do you have any other questions before we take our journey?

What am I doing in this strange hospital room? She waited with bated breath for Angel’s answer.

That is one of my various mysteries you must solve, for I have no answers. When you fell off the cliff, you wished to go home. Instead of taking you home, you landed in the recovery room of the hospital where you are resting now. The voices will answer your questions.

Ok, I guess I’m ready to go where you take me. Kelly lay perfectly still as the whirlwind picked her up and carried her to a ledge outside someone’s home. She heard distant voices from inside the building, along with a few in the air itself.

We've got to get Kelly to the hospital, she’s hurt really bad.

What about Anna?

She got away without a scratch.

Who is Anna?

She’s the girl who was riding with Kelly when No-good Barhop hit her...

Kelly constantly complains about her head hurting, and she says she can’t see.

Can’t see? She was driving the car when the accident happened.

Let’s talk to Dr. Andrews, she’ll know what to do.

The girl is unconscious.

We need to go home! Let’s go now!

What about the hotel on the side of Main Street?

You know they don’t take pets.

What about music and wind chimes?

Music is good.

Go home Kelly, you don’t belong here! here! here...

Angel? Angel! Where are you Angel? Oh God, please tell me what I need to do next. Give me the wisdom to help those people. The voices faded away as she floated back to her room in that strange hospital.

She awoke feeling restless. She slipped out of bed and started pacing around the confines of her room. Mom, I need either my phone or my laptop.

Kelly, what’s wrong my dear? Jane sat on the edge of the visitor’s bed watching her daughter with a strange fascination that she couldn’t explain.

I don’t know, but I had the strangest dream, and I’m seeing images in my head that I need to write down. Mom, I don’t think I'm supposed to be here, I have a strange feeling that I was brought here by mistake.

Whatever do you mean?

There is a girl who was badly injured in a car accident, and she’s the one who had a serious operation. I think the recovery nurse thought I was her.

Do you know her name?

All I remember about the dream, is hearing the name Kelly being called several times. The voices talked about a girl being hit by a drunk named No-good Barhop or something like that. I wonder if I was dreaming, or just seeing a flashback.

I’m getting all this down, and I’ll type it up in the notes app on your phone for you, when I go to get us something to eat. I need a little time to mull over what you’ve said.

Do you have my phone with you?

I do.

Well, type up everything, and I’ll read over it tonight. She opened the door for Dr. Andrews.

Well, it looks like you’re feeling better this morning.

We’ve got a mystery to solve, Dr. Andrews, and it’s coming to me in bits and pieces. Kelly explained what she heard in her dreams.

That doesn’t make much sense.

I know, but something is very wrong here, and I want to help you find out what I’m doing here, and who the real patient is. Did the recovery room nurse mistake me for another trauma patient, or does she remember me from the accident I had five years ago?

Let me do a bit more digging into your file, while you get some rest young lady. You’ve been through a terrible ordeal.

Dr. Andrews, I’m feeling too restless to sleep. I don’t understand what’s going on with me, or with the dream I had. Kelly continued to pace.

Just sit tight while I talk to your regular physician and any other doctors who are caring for you. I’ll be back, I promise. The doctor stepped out as Kelly flopped back onto her bed. She had to admit, all her exploring and pacing, and her talk with Dr. Andrews had exhausted her. She curled up in a fetal position, pulled the blanket up under her chin, and closed her eyes for a long nap.

Dr. Markie Andrews stepped into her office to look further into Kelly Dobson’s medical history. Something about the headache when she first arrived seemed a bit strange to her. As she scrolled through Kelly’s Medical chart, she stopped when she saw the reference to a car accident that happened several years ago. What is this? She asked herself as she clicked on the link. She began to read the information aloud, scrolling down the screen with her finger as she read:

19-year-old Kelly Dobson sustained multiple injuries, including a head wound that caused her to lose her sight, in an automobile accident involving 40-year-old No-good Barhop, Appleville’s town drunk. Barhop was killed instantly by the impact of the head-on collision...

Markie made a few notes on the pad beside her computer and stepped out to find Kelly’s parents. As she made her way back to Kelly’s room, her patient’s mother paced in the hall outside the door. Ms. Dobson, may I speak with you in the family lounge for a moment?

Of course. Jane Dobson followed the doctor to the room where she’d spent many a night during Kelly’s car accident, and where she sat and prayed at times during the past day or so. What can I do for you?

I have just seen the reports about Kelly’s accident. There’s something I need to know before I call her physician and her eye doctor. What can you tell me about Kelly's blindness? Do you know what may have caused it?

Oh my, she became blind six years ago. Some drunk driver named No-good Barhop hit her head on. Dr. Andrews, I don’t know whether you’re aware of this, but Kelly had several injuries, including a bump on her head, the size of a goose egg. There were days when her father and I thought she would never pull through.

Has she suffered any emotional or mental breakdowns from the accident?

At first she did, but now, her blindness hasn’t slowed her down, since she got the training she needed to become independent, and the necessary training and equipment to obtain her job as a customer service representative at Appleville Finance company.

So you’re saying that her blindness hasn’t hindered her from doing what she wants and needs to do to survive? Markie jotted some notes on her note pad.

Listen Doctor, Kelly’s eyes may not work, but I strongly believe that she sees more with her heart than we see with our eyes.

Hmm, okay. Something about her being here seems strange. Do you happen to know what occurred before she came to Appleville General Hospital?

All I know, is that she said she was going for a walk. The next thing I knew, I got a call saying that she’d been in an accident. What kind of accident, I have no idea.

Let me go confer with her doctors and I’ll let you know if there are any further developments in your daughter’s case. The doctor swooshed from the room.

Jane fell to her knees and began to pray. "Lord, thank you for protecting my sweet little girl. Thank you for bringing her here to give her the best medical care possible. Lord, please help us unravel this mystery of why she’s here,