CHAPTER TWO: CONSCIENTIOUSNESS CONQUERS ALL
A passage I read in the Agency library's solitary and virtually untouched copy of the Bible began to give me a more enlightened approach to people like Elsa. The parable of the lost sheep, in which a shepard leaves the ninety-nine in search of one that is lost, had particularly hit me. I picked Elsa as my 'lost sheep' and resolved to do something about my poor comrade.
Every time Elsa and I met, I treated her with as much kindness as I could. When off duty, I would offer to share my meals with her or help her with her academic assignments, and when on a mission with Elsa, I would stick close by her and watch her back. My intention was to show Elsa my sincerity in concrete ways. I took plenty of ribbing from my friends and lots of angry glares from Lauro in doing this, but felt that my quest was important enough to transcend my friends' jibes and Lauro's displeasure. Although Elsa completely ignored me, I persisted in my efforts, certain that they would eventually yield results.
It was sometime after our return from Iraq, during one of my rare free days, that I finally hit pay dirt. Strolling through the Agency grounds way after dark to enjoy the refreshing night breeze, I sauntered into the common room to find Elsa sitting alone at the central table, leaning over it with her face buried in her folded arms. Tentatively calling out her name brought no answer, and I assumed she was asleep – until I noticed that her slender frame trembled with sobs.
Greatly alarmed, I hurried over to Elsa's side. Taking her in my arms, I gently asked her what was the matter, and if I could be of any help. She was too distressed to reply immediately, but the fact that she made no attempt whatsoever to resist my advances filled me with elation and hope. Elsa wept openly on my shoulder, and I responded by holding her closer, gently rocking her and stroking her hair.
Some moments passed before she became calm enough to pour out her troubles to me. In tears, Elsa spoke of how her dedication to Lauro and her acceptance for his harshness had finally reached their limit. She sorrowfully related the proceedings of a mission that she and Henrietta had undertaken of late, during which she witnessed first-hand the stark contrast between Lauro and Giuseppe. The latter regularly offered Henrietta kindness and support throughout the job, while her own supervisor severely punished her for performing only slightly below par. This happenstance finally opened Elsa's eyes to the bleak and cruel truth that all this time, she had been altruistically giving to one who did not value nor appreciate her.
I did my utmost to comfort Elsa, telling her that she could always acquire love and respect elsewhere – namely from me and the other Agency kids, so long as she mended her attitude and made absolutely certain that the process of caring was a two-way street. No verbal answer came, but the nod Elsa gave, accompanied by a look in her eyes that was both purposeful and apologetic, spoke louder than any words. A sense of triumph filled me – I had finally succeeded in helping my comrade let go.
END OF CHAPTER TWO
