“That’s it?”
“Yup.” Thomas grinned. “But following Him will be hard. Don’t make the decision lightly. You know better than others what you’re getting into.”
Hardwas an understatement. Kyle would lose everything and be hunted the rest of his life. Possibly die a horrific death. But how could he deny the overpowering sense of goodness, love, and joy that surrounded him? “I’m ready.”
Thomas led Kyle in a very simple prayer, but even before he uttered the words, he felt a light burst within him, deep down, as if something was born, something good and holy. The love that he’d seen in Thomas's eyes became real to him, filling him, soothing away all the wounds of his past.
And for the first time in his life, Kyle felt loved and valued.
They sat there for several minutes, crying and thanking God.
Finally, Kyle grabbed his crutch and struggled to rise. “I’ve got to get you out of here!”
“What?” Thomas said with a bewildered look on his face.
“I just know it. I’m supposed to help you escape.”
Come, my people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee: hide thyself as it were for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast. For, behold, the Lord cometh out of his place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity: the earth also shall disclose her blood, and shall no more cover her slain.
Isaiah 26:20-21
Chapter 35
Two months later
Tori had no idea what she was doing. Who was she to deliver a baby? Not only had she never had one herself, but she’d not even witnessed childbirth. At least Brianna had given birth to two healthy children, and Jane, a young woman helping them, had been a nurse before the Tribulation, albeit in the dermatology department.
Nyla let out an ear-piercing scream, only made more chilling by the way it echoed in a thrumming shriek throughout the cave.
Lord, please help me. Tori prayed. Please bring this baby into the world healthy and strong. And keep Nyla safe too!She didn’t know what else to pray. Should she rebuke the enemy’s plans? No time for that as Nyla screamed again, squeezing Tori’s hand so tight, she was sure one of her bones would break.
Tori glanced at Brianna, who looked as petrified as she was.
Returning her attention to Nyla, she dabbed a cloth over her forehead. “It’s okay, Nyla. We’re here, and God is with us.”
Nyla nodded as the pains subsided.
And Tori’s hand gained its feeling.
They’d moved her to a private alcove beside the main room where several people held hands and prayed for the birth.
Smiling at Brianna and Jane, Tori was grateful for the support. Ever since Nyla’s labor began, Tori’s prayers had been scattered and full of more fear than she knew she should have.
They’d gathered blankets, warm water and soap, a sterilized knife, and a needle and thread for sewing the umbilical cord. But how do you gather skill at birthing… along with courage?
Exhaustion weighed on Tori’s eyelids. Poor Nyla had been in labor for twelve long hours. The hardest part was seeing her in such pain and not being able to alleviate it.
Nyla’s entire body tensed again. She closed her eyes and squeezed Tori’s hand.
“I’m never having another baby!” she screamed at the top of her lungs.
Tori and Brianna shared a smile. In her agonizing delirium, Nyla had been shouting many such declarations.
The pains were coming faster now. Harder. Tori had no idea how to check for dilation or whatever doctors did. “Lord, you’re going to have to deliver this precious child in one piece,” she whispered.
“I feel like pushing,” Nyla ground out through clenched teeth.
“Then go for it,” Tori said.God help us. Dilated or not, here the baby came.
