Vacant Faith

By Melody Hewson

As with most children, little Alina is curious about the world around her and those that fill it. Full of questions, she learns a family secret that holds those she loves in a terrible grip. When she finds out that the man who was supposed to protect her from monsters is the very thing she fears, she knows she must be strong to save him, but her faith may not be enough.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Melody Hewson
• Release date: Apr 10, 2015
• ISBN: 9781311332400

Melody Hewson

I am an author, a teller of stories both long and short, real & imagined. So for the sake of my own amusement, here’s a bit of information about me, written in the form of a short story. Whatever information you can gleam from these words is what you are worthy of knowing about it's creator.Hazel eyes stared up at a cloudless sky before falling to take in the house below it. To some, it would be judged by its flaws ; it's fading paint and scuffed floors. But to her it was perfect. It was hers. And it was home. To one side, a wild forest whispered sweet nothings in the breeze, which was answered by some distant bird's call. "Life is good." She said softly to no one. "And today is a good day."The sudden squawking of wild fowl pulled her attention to the shaggy black and white dog that rarely strayed far from her side."God damn it, Jackalope! Quit chasing those turkeys!""I looked heavenward for angels, while beautiful demons showed me the way." - Shannon Nacyl

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Vacant Faith

Written by Melody Hewson

Copyright Melody Hewson 2015

Smashwords Edition

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

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A young girl stretched out her legs to balance herself as she reached for the last piece of fruit still within reach of where she sat. The thick limb on which she perched shook slightly with her movements, causing the leaves to whisper among themselves. Scattered around the base of the tree lay more fruit, most of which she had thrown down there herself. A large palomino stallion placidly ate the best of her offerings, his golden coat dappled by the shade of the tree and a riding blanket resting across his back.

The girl looked down at the horse as she took a bite of her prize, chewing thoughtfully. Daddy, She finally asked between bites. Why are you a horse so much?

The stallion lifted his head to look up at the girl as she spoke to him, ears twitching uncertainly. When nothing further was said, the stallion turned his head to look around him, as if to ensure the field was indeed empty of all but the two of them before turning his attention back to the girl in the tree. What brought that up, Alina? The horse called up to her after a moment's hesitation, the words malformed as equine mouth tried to form sounds it was not meant to make.

Alina shrugged and swung her legs, taking another bite of her fruit. I 'unno. She replied. I was just wondering. You always tell me not to change shape where someone could see me.

The stallion tossed his head and snorted, then looked back up at the little girl thoughtfully. I tell you that because you're still too young to take such dangerous chances. When you get older and can hold your new form longer it will be less of a problem. You know this, dear heart.

Yeah, I know. She replied in an exasperated tone, aware that he was attempting to dodge her question. "But why do you do it?"

The stallion twitched his ears and turned his head to take a long look at the fields surrounding them, as if hoping for a distraction or interruption to make itself known. When he found none, he finally looked back up at the small girl still resting in the branch over his head.