Assignment Code 110

By Colleen Reimer

Sarah is dealt a bitter blow as a young child. Her younger brother has died and her mother seems to have forgotten that she has another child. Sarah is left to deal with her grief alone. In the years that follow, one hurtful thing after another creeps up to add to her pain. The lack of love from her mother creates deep roots of rejection in her soul.

But Heaven is very involved in Sarah’s life. When life is nearly unbearable, her guardian angels are always at her side, providing protection, direction and joy. As the enemy closes in to reinforce the pain, trauma and constant lies, Sarah’s angels stand ready to defend her. Their love and concern surround her at all times.

Years later, Sarah discovers a secret which explains the reason for the rejection and heartache that has clung to her life. Only after this discovery is she able to begin the road to healing and wholeness.

Assignment Code 110 takes you on a journey of discovering how Heaven and the angels are working for us and how the events on earth are all intricately connected. God the Father is completely aware of Sarah’s difficulties and has made perfect provision for her.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Colleen Reimer
• Release date: Sep 1, 2021
• ISBN: 9780995321977

Colleen Reimer

Colleen Reimer enjoys writing a variety of fiction - Christian, historical, science fiction and fantasy.She lives near Calgary, Canada with her husband and four children, although only two still live at home. She has lived in multiple places over the years, in many different Canadian cities and also spent seven years in North Carolina.Besides writing, Colleen also enjoys gardening, travelling, chatting with friends, a hot cup of Chai tea and chocolate.

Book preview

To my husband, who supported me,

believed in me

and encouraged me.

Although he has gone on to Heaven,

I am confident that he is cheering me on

from one of the portals

of that glorious place.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

My greatest and foremost thanks goes to God, my wonderful Heavenly Father, who gave me the gift of writing. His ideas continually drop into my heart. He is the most creative writer and has wonderful ideas. He deserves all the glory for this book.

I initially released this story in 2008. After an intense re-write and fresh edit, I am again launching this novel into a published work.

Since I last published this book, my husband, Jerrie, has gone to be with the Lord. He was such an encourager and always believed in me and the gift God has given me. His faith in me still fuels me as I write and print my work. Thank you, Jerrie, for still cheering me on from Heaven.

I also thank my dear friend for sharing her story with me. I know how difficult it was to go back and relive the pain of her past. This book is a fictional rendition of her life experience. Although many aspects and details of her story have been changed, the issue of rejection that she faced has been portrayed as accurately as possible. She wanted her name to remain anonymous to protect family members.

My friend, Linda Rayner, devoted a lot of time into proofreading my first edition of this novel before the editing process ever began. You have been such a blessing to me and I am thankful for the gift that you are.

My dear editor, Julene Schroeder, was a tremendous help in getting my first manuscript ready for publishing. This time, for the rewritten version, she again worked diligently in editing Assignment Code 110 and preparing it for my readership. Thank you; I couldn’t have done this without you. You were an encouragement to me throughout the editing process. I am so thankful for your wisdom and insight.

Thank you also to all my readers who will support this story and the books to follow.

AUTHOR’S NOTES

Assignment Code 110 is based on true events. The lady who shared her story with me is given a fictitious name, Sarah Lint, to protect her real identity. I changed other names and some circumstances to protect the extended family. I also created fictional towns and places.

Assignment Code 110 is interlaced with the supernatural. These aspects of the story are in large part drawn from books I’ve read on Heaven, angels and my fascination with the spiritual realm around us. I’ve seen God work in many miraculous ways in my own life and the kingdom of Heaven intrigues me. I’ve taken great liberty to include the working of angels and demons in the lives of real people with actual difficulties. Our enemy is always looking for ways to reinforce any pain, trauma or sorrow and these nefarious beings are adept at deception and lies. Heaven’s angels work in exactly the opposite way as they bring healing, protection, deliverance and truth at every opportunity. While hatred fuels the demonic, love motivates the guardian angels around us.

The main character, Sarah Lint, faces much heartache from a young child on. This book is about God’s compassionate interest and love, not only for Sarah but for all individuals and His desire to see us set free. Most of us have experienced rejection, loss, sorrow or despair in one form or another, and to different degrees. God is able to bring wholeness to great brokenness. There is no pain too great that our God cannot heal. May you be encouraged as you delve into this novel with Sarah as she endures great injustice and hurt and eventually embraces God’s healing touch.

What, then, shall we say in response to this?

If God is for us, who can be against us?

Romans 8:31

TABLE OF CONTENTS

DEDICATION

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

AUTHOR’S NOTES

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

Chapter 33

Chapter 34

Chapter 35

Chapter 36

THANK YOU AND EXPLANATION OF BOOK TITLE

OTHER NOVELS BY AUTHOR

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

CHAPTER 1

Muffled sobs filled the small upstairs bedroom, echoing through the room like a funeral dirge, low and desolate. In the corner on the floor sat a young girl, Sarah, her knees tucked up under her chin and her small arms wrapped snuggly around her legs. The simple dress she wore had long, plain sleeves, covered in diminutive blue flowers on a white background and hung past her knees and nearly to the floor. Soiled socks covered her feet and her disheveled brown hair hung past her shoulders, some errant strands veiling her eyes like a shroud. Part of her recent meal was smudged around the corners of her tightly drawn mouth. Tears glistened on her cheeks and chin, which mingled with the food stains around her mouth, causing brown streaks across her chin.

On the wooden floor beside her was a homemade doll, smudged and dirty with use. The girl unfurled her arms, picked up the doll and clutched it to her chest, as though it could bring comfort. Confusion darted through her eyes as she gazed longingly toward her mother, her focus unswerving, blinking only occasionally.

Sprawled across the quilted bedspread was a woman, her face buried in something she held, her back heaving as she wept. Dressed simply in a flowery frock and sweater, she was a plain farm woman, her hair pulled back into a braid that clung to her back. Wispy strands of hair had managed to escape, giving an ethereal facade and making it appear as though a halo surrounded her head. In her grasp was a blue knit baby blanket and beside her lay a white, soaked hanky. Still the tears flowed.

Surrounding the girl in the corner stood four angels, her guardians who had been with her since conception. Pain filled their faces over the grief that had descended upon this family like a weighty anchor. They’d been through a great battle defending her, had done everything they could to protect Sarah and the family but now pain and heartache seemed woven into the fabric of their new existence. All four angels were weary and disheartened after the severe attack against the family.

The angel in charge, Watchful, dismay on his countenance, finally broke the hushed sadness. Heaven will send aid soon.

Joyful, second in command, responded. We can’t defend her well, feeling so spent and tired.

Leah and Rachel, the other two guardians also looked weary and struggled to stand upright, their shoulders hunched in exhaustion. Leah’s eyes were filled with sorrow as her gaze went from daughter to mother and back again. Rachel looked likewise wounded, her soul aching for the family she loved so much.

Each angel was filled with longing to be able to remove all heaviness from around young Sarah. Four guardian angels also surrounded the woman on the bed; the great struggle they’d all endured having left them feeling weak and fatigued. Discouragement was a temptation for all the angels, disappointment teased them and the lie of defeat goaded them as they stood stooped over in their suffering.

Help will come, Rachel managed to say.

Suddenly, a figure entered through the wall just below the window, like a knife slicing through butter, a horrible-looking creature, its look one of mischief and ill-will, a cruel, twisted smile disfiguring its already hideous features. Greenish-black scales covered its body, crooked horns protruded at odd angles from its head, and green slime dripped from its mouth. It looked more like a monkey than human, but with huge arms and hands and long, curled talons. Lurching awkwardly toward Sarah, it eyed the angelic guardians anxiously as it cautiously approached.

All four angels unsheathed their swords in preparation, the air ringing and the gold blades shooting out shafts of light in all directions.

The demon stopped its trajectory and stated with a hiss, I have the right to be here. You cannot stop me.

Watchful remained on guard, refusing to exhibit defeat even though he knew the foul creature spoke the truth this time. All they could do was watch. He’d parried with this kind before.

The evil presence stopped in front of three-year-old Sarah, its eyes darting back and forth between the angels and attempting to focus on its diabolical mission. Its fear was tangible but so was its delight in delivering what it was about to spew.

With a deep darkness the spirit wheezed into Sarah’s ear. My mother doesn’t love me. She doesn’t care that I’m sad. All she cared about was Willy. Now he’s gone and mother has no love left for me. I wish she’d hold me. All she wants is to hold that blanket and wish for Willy back.

As the demon spoke, green spittle flung from its lips, landed on Sarah’s head and soaked into her soul. She remained oblivious to all the spiritual activity around her but she began to respond to the hellish suggestion spoken over her. Her tears picked up and ran unhindered down her cheeks. Short broken sobs escaped her lips as rejection took a hold of her soul.

The demonic spirit, satisfied with the results of its mission, turned and hobbled slowly back to the wall where it had originally entered. Looking back and sneering condescendingly, it turned and, like a bullet whistling through air, disappeared as it pierced through the wall.

Leaning over Sarah, Watchful unfurled his silken, transparent-like, feathery wings and covered her young frame but his efforts brought little noticeable relief.

Watchful said, There’s been too much rejection in her short life. The words the vile creature spoke were easy for her to believe. She was an easy target for hell’s agenda. There’s been much wounding in this little one in a short period of time. Her brother’s death was the perfect opportunity the enemy needed to move in on her.

Leah said, What shall we do to unravel the lies?

Joyful said, Not much can be done except petition Holy Spirit to stoke up prayer for her. She will need it.

Rachel nodded. Yes. Gertrude and her husband will also need prayer. They are also devastated.

Watchful carried the weight of responsibility for Sarah. They are. No mother should have to lose a child or reject another. This is not Heaven’s way.

So little is done Heaven’s way here on earth, Leah said with a sigh.

But, Watchful inserted, Heaven knows how to turn things around.

Should we sing? asked Joyful. I’d say that’s a good place to start.

Yes.

Joyful led the four in a hymn of praise to God. The tune was joyful and strong, full of faith in God and his power. Sarah’s mother’s four guardians joined in and the anthem brought a measure of strength to all those present.

Watchful looked around, hearing something, sensing a shift in the air. Someone is praying. I can feel it.

Waves of color began to float through the walls, surrounded them and gave them strength to wait, wait for restoration, wait for Sarah’s deliverance and wait for God’s timing. The color flowed through the room powerfully, first surrounding Gertrude, the woman on the bed, then moving on to encircle Sarah in the corner of the room.

Slowly Sarah’s tears ebbed and she lowered her face into her doll’s body as she rested it on her knees. The peace that suddenly filled the room was a welcome reprieve. Gertrude still wept but her crying softened to slight whimpers.

Suddenly a flash of light appeared and blazed before them. As the light softened, an iridescent glow remained and an angel gradually appeared through the heavenly aura.

Hello comrades. I was sent to administer strength to you. From the folds of his tunic, he removed a vial and undid the cork. The large vial was filled with shimmering gold liquid and shafts of light shot from it as though it were lit from within. All four guardians surrounding Sarah were familiar with its contents – the oil of Heaven, full of the anointing of God that could remove every yoke and bondage.

As the visiting angel stepped forward, Watchful knelt. The healing angel poured some of the vial’s contents upon his head. The gold liquid poured over him, soaking into his soul and immediately Heaven’s strength and resolve coursed through him in powerful waves. The visitor went from one guardian angel to the other, each one kneeling to receive the heavenly gift. After the angel was done with Sarah’s guardians, he went on to minister to the other guardians in the home. All despondency lifted as Heaven’s care and encouragement was deposited to each one.

Placing the empty vial back into his tunic, the healing angel turned to the angels in the room and said, He will come.

Watchful nodded in understanding. Thank you.

The visitor smiled and, with a beam of light, ascended back through the ceiling as quickly as he’d come.

An overwhelming peace suddenly filled the room, so strong it drove each of the angels to their knees in worship. He was here. They couldn’t even lift their faces as they saw blazing light fill the room and saw his sandaled feet before them.

Then he spoke. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. What the enemy has meant for evil I will turn to good in Sarah’s life. I will write the last chapters of her story so do not worry about her state right now. I am the greater one in her life but you must trust in me. Take courage, my servants, I will never leave you or forsake you. I will never leave Sarah.

Remaining in their kneeling positions, the angels worshiped while Jesus walked toward Sarah and wrapped a loving arm around her shoulders. Sarah slowly lifted her face from her knees and looked at her doll. Peace replaced her formerly anguished look and calm settled over her. Taking a deep breath and exhaling in a huff, Sarah gradually stood and walked toward the door. Looking back at her mother on the bed one more time, she released another small tired sigh and left the room.

Jesus walked from one angel to the next and placed a tender hand on each head. Love flowed from Master to his faithful servants and revived them, giving them renewed strength and resolve for their mission.

Slowly the glory of Jesus’ presence subsided from the atmosphere and the blazing light gradually diminished until all that remained was a sweet peace surrounding the guardians. The angels finally stood, feeling refreshed, strengthened in their spirits and also drained by the power of his coming. Even Gertrude’s weeping subsided in the after-glow of Jesus’ presence and her back no longer heaved with sobs. The powerful peace had distracted Sarah, brought a measure of comfort to her soul and she was now occupied with her few toys in the next room.

CHAPTER 2

Year: 1939

From the floor of the dining room, Sarah looked up from playing with her toys to watch her mother cuddling her new sibling, Ned. Sarah smiled timidly but it didn’t hide a look of deep longing and resigned neglect etched on her face.

Ned was born six months after the death of Sarah’s brother, Willy, which helped relieve the great sorrow that had filled the home for so many months. He was a precious little boy, with curls at the nape of his neck, a quick, easy smile and a sweet laugh that brought a new joy to the sorrow-weary home.

Ned had just finished his breakfast. Gertrude normally took this time of day to hold him and play with him. Sarah watched as her mother tickled the six-month-old and smiled a rare smile at the chubby boy. The look on Sarah’s face was a mixture of delight over her sweet brother’s antics and intense yearning as she wished she could experience the love displayed between mother and son.

The door suddenly opened and in strode Sarah’s father, Harold Lint. Removing his coat, he slung it over an empty chair and rested his cap on top of the coat. Running a hand through his tousled hair, his attempt to straighten it a degree, only caused it to stick out chaotically. Stopping, he gazed at the scene in the dining room.

Harold wasn’t a big man, average in height and of medium build, with a dark head of hair and growing stubble on his cheeks and chin. Lines creased his forehead and yet a smile lifted the corners of his lips as he watched his wife and young son. Harold was a fine man who worked hard and took good care of his family. Although he was aloof from the children, his love was unmistakable as he strode into the dining room, tweaked his son’s ear and took his usual seat at the breakfast table.

Gertrude Lint stood, settled Ned down on a blanket and surrounded him with pillows to soften a possible fall. She made sure he had a few toys to keep him occupied, motioned for Sarah to watch him and then hurried to the kitchen to prepare breakfast for her husband.

Sarah sat a few feet from her brother and smiled at him affectionately. Turning toward her, Ned returned her smile cheerfully and waved his arms vigorously before becoming absorbed with his toys. From the floor, Sarah glanced at her father, a sliver of fear in her eyes.

Harold looked at Sarah but said nothing and turned his attention to little Ned, smiling with pleasure at his small son’s antics before allowing his frame to relax in his chair. Leaning his head against the back of the chair, he closed his eyes for a moment.

Wearing a white and blue chequered shirt, the cuffs tattered, and rough work pants, held in place by durable suspenders and the familiar gray work socks, he looked the typical farmer. Bits of dust and straw stuck to his messy hair and work shirt. Hands folded across his midsection were rough from the hard farm work they had seen over the past years and lines etched the corners of his eyes.

Although he had married and started his family later than most men, Harold still looked young, full of vigour and well able to run this small farm. Farm life was demanding and busy with hogs to feed, manure to clean out every day, baby pigs to attend to, shipping of hogs ready for market, dairy cows to milk and the gathering of eggs from the few chickens they kept. In the summer new jobs added to his work load with land that needed cultivating and seeding, and harvest time to bring in the crop. In the fall came slaughter time, when they butchered a cow and pig for meat to store in their large basement freezer for the winter. Harold never complained of the tedious work or the constant demands on his time. He seemed content with his lot in life and, although his temper did flare at times, the occasions were rare.

Gertrude was also very busy with raising a young family, cooking, cleaning, laundry, helping her husband when she could and sewing clothes when needed. She always planted a large garden in the spring, which kept her busy weeding, picking ripe vegetables and canning for the winter. There was seldom a dull moment. The work was constant and the responsibilities endless.

Carrying a plate of bacon, eggs and toast, Gertrude appeared in the doorway, the smell wafting through the dining room, and set the plate of food before her husband. Gertrude was a plain-looking woman with tired eyes and usually a gentle word. She wore a modest, knee-length dress in a small, flowered pattern of rose and purple daisies. Over her dress she wore a full, off-white apron.

As she left her husband’s side, the lack of physical affection was readily apparent between the two. An unmistakable tension floated between them. Even at Sarah’s young age she was aware of the friction and looked nervously from one parent to the other, although, at the age of four and a half, it was hard for her to comprehend. Gertrude picked up her six-month-old and returned to her spot at the table, focusing all her attention on the little boy in her arms. She seemed to cling to this baby in desperation and fear of even further loss and smothered him with affection.

Something in Sarah’s eyes spoke of a great yearning for the loving hands of her mother. She watched the affectionate interaction between her mother and young brother but remained silent. Even so, her desire to be loved and cared for was easy to spot on her transparent face.

The angels found the pain on Sarah’s face hard to watch. If only she was also loved and accepted like this young brother was. Watchful knelt beside her and rubbed her back to bring a degree of comfort. Sarah finally faced the toys beside her and returned to her imaginary play.

Later In The Day:

A clear, firm knock at the door caused Sarah to glance up from the table, from her page of coloring, and look across the house into the kitchen, where her mother was cleaning up after dinner. Ned was sitting on the floor in his usual spot and he looked up at Sarah, curiosity on his face.

Harold was back in the barn making a final check on the animals. Sarah was sure it wouldn’t be him knocking at his own house. Gertrude ignored it for a moment until the knock came again, louder this time. She scooted to the door, wiping her hands on her apron in irritation. Peering through the glass window, she immediately appeared aggravated and reluctantly opened the door.

What do you want here, Martha? Gertrude demanded.

Hi, sister. How are you doing? Martha asked.

Sarah left her coloring quickly, peered around the corner and looked with joy at her Aunt Martha, who gazed lovingly back at Sarah and waved.

I said, what do you want here?

I’d like Sarah to spend the night. Would that be okay with you?

Sarah’s heart swelled at the invitation. She loved her Aunt Martha dearly and enjoyed any opportunity of spending time with her. Aunt Martha treated Sarah with such kindness, tenderness and love. Sarah held her breath in anticipation.

You actually think you can come around here anytime you want and demand things?

I thought I would do you a favor by taking Sarah. I know how busy you are with two little ones. Me taking her for the night will relieve you of some of your work.

I don’t know. I don’t like you showing up any old time like this.

Please, Gertrude. Sarah loves to spend time at my place and it will give you more time with Ned.

How do you know that Sarah loves it with you?

I think she likes coming over. Aunt Martha gave Sarah a wink, and she smiled brightly in return.

Gertrude noticed the loving exchange between the two. Okay, take her then. I don’t care.

Her mother’s harsh words didn’t diminish Sarah’s excitement. She twirled in place and raced up the stairs to gather the belongings she would need.

Is there anything I can help you with while I’m here? Sarah and I don’t have to leave right away.

No, I don’t need your help. I’m managing just fine without you, like usual. Just take Sarah and leave. Gertrude turned and began to busy herself in the kitchen.

Martha shrugged and wandered around the corner to the dining room to where Ned was sitting quietly on the floor, chewing on a rubber baby ring.

Hi there, little guy. My, you’re growing so fast, aren’t you? Look how big you’ve gotten. Martha stroked Ned’s cheek for a moment and he smiled and cooed at the attention. You remember to be a good little brother for Sarah, okay, little guy?

Suddenly Gertrude appeared around the corner. Why are you still here? Didn’t I tell you to leave?

Martha sighed loudly. Gertrude! Sarah is getting her things. I’m only waiting till she’s ready!

Why don’t you go wait outside? I’ll send her out when she comes down.

If you’d prefer that.

Yes, I would prefer that, Gertrude said irritably.

Releasing a deep sigh, Martha slowly sauntered to the door and left to wait in the yard.

A moment later, Sarah bounded down the stairs with a small bundle in her arms and a large smile on her face. She looked around eagerly and headed to the kitchen to find her aunt. Sarah found her mother close to the window, completely consumed with studying something in the yard.

Mom, where’s Aunt Martha?

Gertrude startled, turned to face Sarah and glared at her in consternation. She turned back to the window to continue her study of the yard. Outside.

Okay. Bye, Mom. Sarah stood for a moment waiting for a reply then bounded out the door without a farewell. It usually bothered Sarah when her mother refused to answer but this time she was much too excited to dwell on it.

Martha’s face lit up when Sarah ran to her side and she draped a loving arm around her shoulder. They began their walk past the house, side by side, through the garden and to the neighboring house. Sarah loved that Aunt Martha lived next door and she especially loved having her aunt all to herself. Her home was the one place where she felt accepted and completely cherished.

Martha wore the customary knee-length dress of the day in a pretty shade of yellow, which tied at the waist in the back. She wore ankle socks and plain, practical shoes that were suitable for walking through the garden. Her long hair was in its usual up-do and although it could have been described as stern, the smile on her face told another story. Martha was one of Gertrude’s older sisters who had never married and she lived alone directly beside Gertrude and Harold Lint, to the great delight of Sarah. Conversation and laughter passed easily between the two as they made the short walk through the garden and the line of trees which separated the two properties.

Watchful and Joyful followed closely behind the two and stopped on Martha’s yard as aunt and niece entered the house. The two other guardian angels, Leah and Rachel, remained back to help guard the Lint house and family. Angels, especially guardian angels, were always sent in twos. There were no lone ranger angels assigned in a lifelong guardianship of one inheriting salvation. When Sarah left home, Watchful and Joyful always accompanied her to provide protection and supply a constant heavenly presence around her.

Staying out on the yard for a moment, the two angels looked through the front window of Martha’s house and saw Sarah and her aunt chatting, surrounded by Martha’s four guardian angels.

Do you see the light emanating from this house, Joyful?

Yes, it’s a blessing. Martha has a great capacity for love, does she not?

Yes, and I’m so thankful that God has her in this place. She sends many prayers up for her sister and family, especially for young Sarah. I’m so grateful that Martha continues to pray. Sarah needs all the prayer she can get.

It’s sad that Gertrude will not love and accept Martha. The hatred Gertrude carries is not good for her. I long for forgiveness to flow between the two sisters.

I long for the same, Joyful. If only Gertrude could see the better way. Earth-born ones have a difficult time seeing the best path to follow at times.

Thank God that Martha still prays for them. Even with all of Gertrude’s anger, Martha still shows love.

Amen to that, Watchful said.

Both angels knew that Sarah was in a safe zone and relaxed their battle-ready stance for a moment. There was a beautiful sunset on the horizon and they turned in admiration to the awe-inspiring scene. Praise flowed from their lips to the Creator of all good things. The fields of ripe grain stretched out as far as the eye could see, before meeting the glorious colors of the sky. The reds, yellows, pinks and violets flowed together in a grand tapestry, intermixed with white clouds floating in the majestic display of the setting sun.

The prairies of Saskatchewan were truly amazing for the view they offered on such a clear, summer day and the soft, evening breeze caused the ripe grain, the leaves on the trees and the grass surrounding the yard to sway calmly as if alive and singing praise to God. Both angels lifted their faces to Heaven as a radiant glow began to wash over them, imparting new life and courage for their mission. Praise flowed freely from their lips.

CHAPTER 3

Year 1942:

Sarah eyed the delicious stew Aunt Martha had made and wished she could enjoy it as she wanted to.

Once again Aunt Martha had taken Sarah in for the weekend. Sarah had been overjoyed to have the complete attention and love of her favorite aunt. The only deterring factor to this visit was the extreme pain that filled Sarah’s mouth. Any food, hot or cold, set off a throbbing sting as the items came in contact with her teeth.

Most of the weekend her mouth had behaved and not hurt too much but now the ache returned with a vengeance and was impossible to ignore. Aunt Martha had planned on returning her home early the next morning in time for school. How Sarah wished she could completely enjoy this last evening with her aunt and not have to deal with this throbbing. She looked longingly at the array of food before her then smiled shyly at her sweet auntie.

Go ahead, Sarah. Eat your food. I promise you it’s delicious.

Sarah only nodded, too afraid to speak her mind and offend Martha. She cautiously took a bite and willed not to cry as the hot mixture touched her tender teeth. Taking a few painful bites, she laid her spoon down in resignation as the pain shot through her jaw, causing her to grimace in agony.

Aunt Martha looked at her in concern. What’s wrong, Sarah? Don’t you like my stew?

Yes, it’s wonderful, Auntie.

Then what’s wrong?

Sarah slouched in her chair and looked afraid.

Go ahead, dear, tell me what’s wrong.

Sarah whispered quietly as a tear slid down her cheek. The stew hurts my teeth.

Aunt Martha arose immediately and stood beside Sarah’s chair. Open your mouth.

It was more of a command than a request and Sarah immediately obeyed. Martha studied her mouth carefully and then frowned, lines forming on her forehead. She eventually straightened up and looked gently into Sarah’s eyes.

Have you told your mom that your teeth hurt?

Yes, I’ve told her.

And has she done anything about it?

No.

And your dad? Have you told him?

He knows my mouth hurts when I eat.

What does he say about it?

He tells me to be quiet and eat my food.

Aunt Martha suddenly looked stern and disturbed at such obvious neglect. She said no more but the severe determination on her face concerned Sarah. She hoped Aunt Martha would say nothing that would upset her parents. It would only get her into trouble and she didn’t need anything to increase the stress at home or add to her mother’s load.

Sarah’s mother now had four children to care for and Sarah knew how busy and frustrated her mother became at times. Fussing about the pain in her mouth seemed unnecessary, and besides, every time she’d mentioned her agony, she only received a speedy rebuke and a warning to stop complaining. Suffering in silence seemed best but she often prayed that the pain would stop. She was sure she’d survive, but now with Aunt Martha upset, she wasn’t sure that things would be okay after all.

Watchful and Joyful stood behind Sarah and watched the scene unfold before them.

I am so grateful that Martha is such an integral part of Sarah’s life, Watchful said.

Joyful responded. Yes. God is answering Sarah’s request by revealing the issue to Martha. I don’t know if I could have watched her suffer much longer.

I know what you mean. Months have passed while she’s lived with this pain and I have wondered myself when and how God would intervene for her.

Do you believe Martha will confront Harold and Gertrude?

She will most certainly confront them. Just wait and see. Watchful gave Joyful a smile of satisfaction and Joyful stuck out a thumb in approval.

Sarah helped Aunt Martha clear the table and wash the dishes. With the pain subsiding, Sarah found herself fully enjoying even the mundane task of washing and tidying the small kitchen. After their job was done, Aunt Martha led the way to the quaint living room. She took Sarah by the hand to a large sofa and sat beside her. The sofa was covered with a pretty pink-and-yellow-flowered throw and matching cushions on each side. A wooden rocking chair stood in one corner, a handmade cushion on the seat of the same colors as the throw blanket.

Two small end tables, with matching lamps, hugged the ends of the sofa. A tall floor lamp stood guard over the rocking chair. Two large windows on the outside walls filled the room with light during the day but now, the sun having set, evening shadows were casting their dark hue on this unlit room. White sheers graced the windows and heavy drapes in a subdued shade of yellow were pulled to the sides. Before one window was a gramophone on a small, darkly-stained mahogany stand.

Martha switched on the lamp at one end of the sofa and went over to the small stack of records which leaned up against the wall, chose one and placed the disk carefully on the turntable and cranked up the music machine. The crackling sounds soon progressed into a familiar hymn as the voices of a well-known quartet, The Statesmen, began ringing through the house. Aunt Martha smiled in pleasure and took a seat beside Sarah.

After a few minutes of listening to the hymn, Martha reached over to the end table, picked up a small, wrapped box and handed it to Sarah.

Sarah’s eyes widened in surprise. What is this for, Aunt Martha?

It’s for you, sweetheart.

But why?

Just because.

Sarah grinned and then quickly unwrapped the small gift and held her breath in surprise as she lifted out a beautiful brooch. Small but striking, the brooch was shaped like a flower, with small stones of pink, purple and green that sparkled in the lamplight. Sarah gazed at it in awe for a moment before she found the words to reply. It’s beautiful, Aunt Martha. Thank you. She cradled the brooch lovingly as if holding something very sacred.

You’re welcome, dear. Here, let me help you put it on. Aunt Martha took the brooch and carefully pinned it on the lace collar of Sarah’s simple blue dress. Aunt Martha smiled and said, You look like a little princess.

Feeling utterly cherished and loved, Sarah said nothing, but smiled brightly at her auntie. Aunt Martha reached for Sarah’s hand and they sat hand in hand for a long time, enjoying the special bond they shared and neither willing to break the silence and love that surrounded them as the quartet voices from the gramophone continued to serenade them.

Sarah felt safe, tucked away in a cocoon of warmth, a peace filling her soul in sweet waves as she revelled in her aunt’s love and acceptance.

Later That Night:

Sarah awoke suddenly, excruciating, throbbing pain shooting through her jaw and teeth. Unable to bear the agony any longer, she cried out and her tears began to flow. Anguish filled her in the dark room and nothing looked familiar. A shadowy form filled the doorway and fear invaded.

Aunt Martha’s voice calmed her. What’s the matter, Sarah? Why are you crying?

Struggling to speak, the pain coming in intense throbs and overwhelming her, she finally said, It’s…m-my…mouth.

Aunt Martha reached over to the nightstand, sat down on the edge of the bed and switched on the lamp. Open your mouth, dear. Studying Sarah’s mouth carefully, she exclaimed, Dear me. I can’t believe nothing has been done about this. It looks to me like you have a number of rotten teeth and that’s why you’re in so much pain. Martha looked agitated. I think I have something that might help.

She got up and left the room but returned soon, holding a spoon of sugar and a bottle of wonder oil. Standing by the dresser, she prepared the homemade concoction and administered it to Sarah. The blend had a distinct and bitter taste but, with a grimace, Sarah ate it anyway, hoping that it would help in some way. The mixture did seem to numb some of the pain and for that Sarah was grateful.

Taking Sarah downstairs, Aunt Martha had her lie down on the couch for the rest of the night. Martha hardly slept as she restlessly waited for the morning. Sleep came sporadically to Sarah as the pain kept waking her.

Watchful and Joyful watched as events unfolded, pleased of the outcome they were sure would come of this. Joyful stuck up his thumb in approval of what he was anticipating when the sun would rise. Watchful nodded in agreement as they continued to guard young Sarah through the night.

When the early morning light dawned, Sarah sat miserably at the table, dark circles beneath her eyes and suffering etched on her face.

Aunt Martha heated something on the stove in a pot. She then poured it into a coffee mug and took it to her niece. Here, I made you some hot milk. Wait until it cools a bit and it will fill your belly to a degree. You don’t have to eat if you don’t want to but I can prepare you something, if you’d like.

No, I don’t want to eat.

I understand. Then try to drink the milk after it cools some.

Sarah looked up at her aunt and gave a weak smile, pain still wracking her jaw and teeth. Thank you, Aunt Martha.

Martha returned to the kitchen and prepared her breakfast. Sarah sipped the warm milk slowly, the liquid going down easily and not agitating her aching teeth further. After a quick meal, Aunt Martha gathered up her niece’s things, placed Sarah’s coat around her shoulders and, after slipping her own coat on, they headed out the door.

The morning sun shone through the branches separating the two properties, causing dappled shadows to shift around them and painting the landscape with an orange-pink glow. Birds chirped cheerfully in the trees around the yard, thrilled for another beautiful day and greeting it with a song. Martha seemed oblivious to the beauty of the day as she walked briskly with determined steps. She made her way past the dividing tree line, through the garden and into the yard of her sister and brother-in-law.

Sarah had to sprint to keep up. Aunt Martha didn’t notice. She was on a mission.

Harold was exiting the barn door and making his way across the yard to the house when Martha and Sarah rounded the corner. As soon as Martha spotted Harold she stopped her forward motion and waited for him to approach.

The sly smile on her father’s face seemed odd to Sarah but the thought of what was probably coming next caused her palms to perspire. She had never seen Aunt Martha so upset and felt apprehension at what exactly she was about to say or do.

Martha bristled slightly before she spoke and Harold’s sly smile faded quickly as he saw how displeased she was.

Harold. Did you know that Sarah’s mouth has been hurting?

Uh, I don’t know.

"Honestly? Has Sarah been complaining about