Enter The Darkness: Going Nowhere Fast

By Lyris Figueroa

Explore the true life of a child named Laura, the many challenges she faces during her childhood, and the hardships she endures as a young woman.

Laura finds a safe haven, a place of refuge, until she is introduced to the spiritual world and the forces of evil. Discover the spiritual battle Laura encounters; how Satan hates her, weaves a web, entangles her to be his servant, and plans to destroy her.

Accompany Laura as she walks you through the dark pits of her life in a daily battle with the dark world, its cult, and her experiences with the school of hard knocks. Live the abuse, addiction, fear, and shame she endures; as she escapes an abusive home to being imprisoned in a world with no way out.

Laura attempts to search for the door that will lead her to eternal freedom. Will she find it?

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Nov 9, 2012
• ISBN: 9781463467982

Lyris Figueroa

Lyris Figueroa is a devout Christian and a retired Special Education Educator. She earned degrees and certificates as follows: Master of Arts Degree in Early Childhood Education, Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education, Certifications in Special Education and Manual Communication/ American Sign Language (ASL). She is the author of ENTER THE DARKNESS: GOING NOWHERE FAST and IN THE SHADOW OF HIS WINGS: WHERE DARKNESS TURNS TO LIGHT. Her writing is crisp and real. Presently, she is happily married to the love of her life, Dr. Eugene Figueroa and living in New York. Her new project is titled CRASHING WAVES: fIGHTING THROUGH THE STORMS. Lyris is sincere, enthusiastic, and authentic in her writing. Her heart's desires are to be obedient to God, inspire and encourage others, and give those suffering a sense of hope.

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© 2012 Lyris Figueroa. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or

transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse  12/23/2022

ISBN: 978-1-4634-6796-8 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4634-6797-5 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-4634-6798-2 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2011914570

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models,

and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in

this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views

expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the

views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Contents

Dedication

Acknowledgments

Preface

Chapter 1     The Birth

Chapter 2     A Cry For Help

Chapter 3     The First Sin (Laura Speaks)

Chapter 4     Torn Between Churches

Chapter 5     The Witch’s Calling

Chapter 6     Darkness Awaits (Laura Speaks)

Chapter 7     Petrifying Visions (Laura Speaks Again)

Chapter 8     Satan’s In The House

Chapter 9     Ripping At The Seams

Chapter 10   From Bad To Worse (Laura Speaks)

Chapter 11   Under Attack

Chapter 12   A Way Out

Chapter 13   Rude Awakening

Chapter 14   Growing Up

Chapter 15   Hard Times

Dedication

To God

Psalm 139: 13-16

New International Version (NIV)

"For You created my inmost being;

You knit me together in my mother’s womb.

I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;

Your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

My frame was not hidden from You when I was made in the secret

place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.

Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were

written in Your book before one of them came to be."

Acknowledgments

An artist is stirred to bring his work of art to life; Enter The Darkness Going Nowhere Fast was created in a like manner.

Priscilla H. Petrosky, Sister in Christ, friend and editor—Thank you for your commitment and dedication. You are a Godsend.

AuthorHouse Staff—Your commitment to excellence goes without say.

Marjorie Adorno, Sister in Christ and friend—Your reaction after reading a rough draft of Chapter 1 was priceless. Thank you for your words of encouragement.

Nydia Cruz, Sister in Christ and friend—Thank you for your prayers and support.

Angelina Hernandez, Sister in Christ and friend—Thank you for reintroducing me to the Lord and for your prayers throughout the years.

Reverend Michael A. Kelly and Reverend Donna L. Kelly—Thank you for your time, love, prayers, and encouragement. I stand in victory. Hallelujah!

A special thanks to my parents, Milton (deceased) and Carmen Smith—You raised me to be the woman that I am today. Thank you for your love.

Barbara Matos, Carmen Medina, and Milton Smith, Jr., (siblings)—Thank you for being there for me in your own special way.

Linda Santiago (sister)—You are such a cheerleader. Thank you for your prayers and words of encouragement.

My deepest appreciation is expressed to my children, Lyris, Luis, Jose, Victor, Fernando Jr., and Armando—Thank you for your love, patience, support, and encouragement.

Lastly, and most importantly, I am eternally grateful to my Lord, Savior, and Redeemer—Jesus Christ. Thank you for your love, forgiveness, mercy, kindness, and grace. Because of You, I found hope.

Preface

The writing of this book was not a simple task. The contents are poetic and its foundation is based on facts. The names were changed to protect the innocent.

The author reveals the true life of a child named Laura, the many challenges she faces as a child and the hardships she endures as a young woman. Laura reveals the forces of evil, how Satan hates her, and strategically plans to destroy her. Accompany Laura as she walks you through the dark pits of her life.

Author’s prayer:

Gracious Lord and Heavenly Father,

Humbly, I come into your presence to ask You place a hedge of protection around and about the individual reading this book. Father, I pray for understanding where there is confusion, light where there is darkness, healing from past and present hurts, freedom for the bound and shackled, health for the sick, peace for the distressed, and hope for the despaired. You sent Your only begotten Son to set the captive free. Break through barriers and strongholds, right now. I pray for repentance and deliverance all for Your glory.

Thank You for what You will do to broaden Your kingdom in the precious and mighty name of Your Son the Most High, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Chapter 1

The Birth

A cool breeze caressed her face as the sound of coquís echoed in the dark night. A young woman laid in her bed and stared at the ceiling in her room. Maria could feel her heart pound rapidly against her chest. Terror filled her as the pain became more intense. Suddenly, a thunderous desperate scream filled the bedroom.

Natasha, the young woman’s mother was in the next room. She jumped out of bed and hurried to see what the matter was. Natasha stood under the threshold of Maria’s bedroom in horror. Panic rushed through her entire being. Her daughter was lying in a pool of blood, drenched in cold sweat and shivering. She composed herself and said, I’m going to get help.

Several minutes later, an ambulance arrived. The paramedics tended to Maria instantly and rushed her with great velocity to a hospital in Arecibo, a town in Puerto Rico. The obstetrician in the emergency room examined her immediately. Maria began to convulse; her body twitched and jerked. The pigment of her face turned pale as her eyes rolled up into her head. The doctors and medical staff worked quickly and diligently to save both mother and unborn infant.

Numerous hours later in the recovery room, Maria rested as she recuperated from the death defying delivery she experienced, birthing her child into the world. Natasha sat by her daughter’s bedside with her eyes closed and in her hands, she held a black rosary. Her lips moved quickly, yet soundlessly as she prayed for the life of her daughter and grandchild.

A nurse entered the room and checked Maria’s vital signs. She said, You gave us quite a scare. I’m glad all turned out well. They looked at each other and smiled.

Congratulations!

Thank you.

Shortly after, a second nurse walked in holding a small bundle swaddled in a pink blanket. She checked the hospital identification bracelets and carefully placed the infant in Maria’s arms. Congratulations! You have a beautiful daughter. She smiled and left the room. Maria and Natasha looked at the tiny bundle of joy.

What will you name her?

I like the name Laura.

Laura—I like the sound of that name.

Mamá, do you think Luis will like it?

Of course he will. I think the name fits her. Laura is a good name for my granddaughter.

Yes, I agree. Laura is a good name. And you’re right, her father will like it. She brought her baby close to her lips and whispered, Oh Laura, you look just like your father. Wait until you he sees you. He’s going to fall in love with you.

Shortly after Laura’s birth, life in Puerto Rico became more of a financial struggle. Luis decided to leave the island and go to New York with the promise of sending for his family. It took some time for him to find employment and a place to live. Maria waited patiently and looked forward to receiving news from her husband.

Several months later, Luis reunited with his wife and their children, Carmelo and Laura. Laura was nine months old when they left the island of Puerto Rico to begin their new life in New York City.

Chapter 2

A Cry For Help

Some years later, Luis uprooted his family to a town across the Hudson River known as Jersey City. They lived in a five-floor multi-dwelling brick building, two apartments per floor, occupied by families of different ethnicities. Luis was the superintendent in charge of building maintenance. Laura, now age five, assisted her father Saturday mornings with cleaning duties. She was proud of her father and enjoyed helping him clean. Given the opportunity, she bragged about him to anyone and everyone who would listen.

Saturday was the busiest day of the week. Luis was responsible for minor apartment repairs, painting, sweeping and mopping, removal of garbage, recordkeeping, cleaning out the basement and the front of the building. It was mandatory for him to review the list of items stored and discard anything kept over a month. Laura often followed her father to the basement, but never went further than the threshold. Instead, she sat on the top step and patiently waited until he finished his work. She was terrified of that dreary place. The basement was cold, dark, and clammy with a strange odor.

Laura had to walk past the basement to play in the backyard. Her father often left the door unlocked throughout the day, which made her feel troubled and unsafe. Before she would proceed to the yard, she always stopped and looked up to be certain her father remembered to secure the door. Normally, she reminded him to lock the door to keep out the monsters. She sensed bad things happened in that cold and dark place.

The most enjoyable day of the week for Laura was Saturday. Not only did she assist her father with cleaning duties, but she also accompanied her mother shopping. Maria often purchased a storybook or two, a board game, or a jigsaw puzzle for her daughter to enjoy. Occasionally, Laura asked her mother for a new doll. In addition, as a special treat Maria would buy her little girl a hot dog or a slice of pizza and a cold drink.

It was Saturday morning and Laura looked forward to assisting her father. Her mother finished brushing her daughter’s last curl and said, Laura, you’re wearing a new outfit, therefore you can’t help your father clean today. I don’t want you to dirty your new clothes.

But Mami, I always help Papi. Please, let me help him. I promise to be careful and not get dirty.

Not today, maybe another day. Okay? Not today. Kissing her daughter on the cheek she added, Now go show your father how pretty you look. He’s downstairs near the basement. Maria always dressed her daughter in the cutest outfits. Laura wore a red short set with matching red socks and white sneakers. Her dark spiral curls framed her oval face and bounced on her shoulders as she bopped to her father’s side. Laura tugged on his pants leg twice to get his attention. Papi. Papi, how do I look?

He turned to his daughter, smiled and replied, You look beautiful!

Laura pouted, Mami said I can’t help you clean today because I’ll get dirty.

We must listen to what Mami says. You can help me another day. She’s right, you’ll get dirty. Besides, Mami makes sure you always look clean and beautiful. You can help me next Saturday.

"Okay, I guess I can.

That’s my girl.

Then, can I get a dime to buy ice cream?

Luis chuckled. "Let’s see . . . (He searched his pocket for change.) Laura heard coins jingle and smiled.

Here you go, two nickels!

Two nickels equal ten cents—a dime.

That’s right! I’ll see you later. I have to go clean out the basement. Have fun shopping with Mami.

Laura puckered her lips. Luis leaned forward and kissed her on the cheek. She skipped away to the grocery store two buildings away. He walked behind her to be certain his daughter was safe going to the store. Laura brought a smile to her father’s face as she asked for a vanilla ice cream cone and paid the storeowner. He returned to the apartment building to continue with his duties. Laura came out of the store and saw her father walk into the building. She raced behind him, pushed through the door, and tried to catch up to him but he disappeared too quickly into the basement. She decided not to follow him after all. Instead, she went back outside and sat on the front step to wait for her mother.

The afternoon was scorching; it was so hot heat rose from the pavement. Boogaloo music played loudly in the neighborhood while an opened fire hydrant blasted ice-cold water. People of all ages splashed around and screamed with laughter as the freezing water wet their bodies. Laura finished her ice cream and giggled loudly. She enjoyed watching people have fun. Drivers hurriedly rolled up their windows and drove by slowly for a free car wash. Other drivers drove by speedily and created a great splash. Teenagers chased each other with cans and buckets of cold water wetting each other. Some kicked and shrieked with laughter as they were carried into the shooting water.

The block was crowded with people from the neighborhood. Women sat on the front-steps of the building where they lived trying to keep cool, talking, and yelling at their children, while men hung out by the corner bar shooting dice and pitching pennies. After a while Laura thought, What’s taking Mami so long? She called out to her mother, but heard no response. Maria usually came to the window almost immediately, except for today. It was odd that she took a little longer than usual. Laura kept herself busy playing quietly as she waited. She jumped off the step, ran to a pole in front of the building, and swung around it faster and faster until she grew dizzy.

It was too hot for Laura to continue playing. She decided to sit on the front step again and wait for her mother. Laura greeted people as they walked past the building. Some waved back and others said a quick hello. A stranger walked by and glanced her way. Laura’s little hand froze in mid-air and her cheerful smile slowly faded. She sensed a disturbing maliciousness about him. Her eyes were on him steadily. He was half-bald with bright orange hair and fair complexion. He wore a light blue button down short-sleeved shirt, dark blue jeans, black sandals, and dark sunglasses. The stranger stopped at the corner, turned around, and