"I hate him," Anika said, her voice muffled against Mara's dress. "I wish he would die."
Mara sighed and said, "He only does what he thinks is best. He wants to protect you, really, he does."
"Protect me from what? Himself?" Anika snapped, wiping the tears from her eyes. "He's the only one around here who keeps putting me in danger. It wasn't like my Aunt waved a knife in my face every time I spoke the truth."
"What he says is the truth, whether you believe it or not. I don't know the whole story; you'd have to ask Cain about that one—"
Anika snorted.
Mara continued, "—what I do know is that you were born Susannah Boardman to Malachai and Ruth Boardman. You lived in this house, here." Mara turned to face the window. "I do not know how you left Gatlin because He does not tell me. I don't believe Cain knows either because you both were infants at the time."
She smiled.
"I do not why He has blessed us with your return. All I know is that I am happy to have you here."
Anika shuffled her feet as she looked at the small girl.
"I think I need some time alone, you know, to clear my head and think things through…" said Anika.
"Alright, do you want to step outside for some fresh air?" She nodded and Mara led her to the door.
The air outside nipped gently at Anika, she hugged the dress closer to her body in a desperate effort to cling to the warmth. I have to get out of here. Her footsteps did not make a sound as she walked in the dirt. I could just run, I suppose. I mean, He Who Walks Around the Rows could just strike me down now if he wanted instead of letting me run… if he exists. I can't let myself start to fall for this nonsense.
My name is Anika Sanders, not Susannah Boardman.
She walked slowly at first, and then quickened her pace as she approached the cornfield. The corn surrounded her on all sides as she pushed through. It caressed her naked arms and ankles, begging for her not to travel any further.
She took off running, as fast as she could.
The corn leaves felt like knives slashing at her with every stalk she passed. She ran until she could no longer see the small town in the distance and her breath begged to slow down if only for a moment or two.
There was a rustling noise, she turned around. I will not be scared by some gust of wind.
Then, Anika screamed as she felt a hand grip her arm and turn her around.
She was face to face with Cain.