Elisheva perched herself upon a substantial bough, seeking rest from her weary journey as the night approached. Her carefully devised stratagem, involving rags to throw the Fangs off her trail, held the promise of securing valuable time.
Once she gets to the town, she'll blend in with the locals there and start sleuthing. She had to find out where they might have taken her father and little brother.
She fiddled with her recovered necklace and with Zev's, these were more than just trinkets. They were symbols of the Bennet's family faith, and precious memories of her mother's love.
Elisheva remembered the day her mother gave them the necklaces, just a month or so before Rivka Bennet perished in a car crash. And before they'd had to move to Inwood, Manhattan.
It was a sunny day, the rays of light streaming through the window, casting a golden glow on their home in Brooklyn Heights. Rivka, with her warm smile and gentle eyes, called her children to the kitchen table.
"Elisheva, my sweet baby girl, and Zev, my adventurous little boy," Rivka began, her voice filled with love and tenderness. "I want to give you something special, something that will always remind you of our faith and the love we share as a family."
Elisheva and Zev exchanged curious glances, their young faces eager with anticipation. Rivka reached into a small velvet box and carefully unveiled the necklaces, each adorned with the three symbols of their faith.
"For you, my courageous Elisheva," Rivka said, placing the golden necklace with the ruby fish pendant around her daughter's neck. "May it remind you of your strength, your compassion, and the fire that burns within you. You have the power to make a difference."
Elisheva's eyes sparkled with gratitude as she touched the ruby, feeling a surge of love and connection to her late mother. She knew that wearing this necklace would always remind her of Rivka's unwavering belief in her potential.
"And for you, my bold Zev," Rivka continued, fastening the labradorite pendant around her son's neck. "May it guide you on your journeys, ignite your curiosity, and remind you to always embrace the wonders out there. You have a spirit that can't be contained."
Zev's eyes widened with excitement as he held the pendant up to the light, marveling at the iridescent colors that danced within the stone. He knew that this necklace would always remind him of his mother's encouragement to explore and embrace the unknown.
Elisheva and Zev embraced their mother, tears of gratitude and love streaming down their youthful faces. Rivka's presence filled the room, enveloping them in warmth and reassurance.
"Remember, my dear children, these necklaces are not just symbols," Rivka whispered, her voice filled with a mother's wisdom. "They are a testament to the strength of our family, the love that binds us, and the faith that sustains us. No matter what challenges come our way, we will always carry these symbols close to our hearts."
Closing her eyes, Elisheva cherished the memory, still feeling her mother's hug from that day. The necklace with the golden fish and ruby served as a constant reminder of her mother's unwavering love and belief in her. It was a connection to her past, a source of strength in the present, and a beacon of hope for the future.
Elisheva looked at the horizon, where she could see lights from the distant coastal town in the distance. "Dad, Zev, don't lose hope, wherever you guys are… I'm gonna find you."
With the necklace resting against her chest, she felt a renewed sense of purpose and determination, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
Little did she know that the town wouldn't just a mere stop to help in her search, but where she will meet true friends far more precious than gold.
Author's note: Didn't I tell you I'd also be writing about Elisheva's past too? Here's a sweet memory about how she and Zev got their necklaces and why it's important to them.