Ashes of rebelion
~ 1915 Second Salem church ~
Christian was the second boy Mary Lou adopted. He was just 2 years younger than Credence, Chastity's peer. Ever since he turned 10 it was clear he had a love for reading. And as any teenage boy he was rebelious. Often sneaking "forbidden" books into his and Credence's shared bedroom if one could call it that. It was a small room, with 2 matresses along two opposite walls. Christian would hide the books under his matress, feeling pride at going against mother, with none the wiser. But that feeling didn't last long. The 15 and 13 year old boy had just returned from the city, handing out pamplets advertizing their mother's cause. Both exhausted from the long day, headed straight to their room, only to find ma standing over Christian's so called bed holding all his books in her hands.
" Christian, what is this ? " she asked her voice whispery, but both boys didn't miss the anger hidden behind the mild tone.
" I am sorry ma, I just wanted something to pass the time, besides they are just books " Christian managed, sounding confident even as his voice quivered sligtly.
" Just books, you say " Mary Lou shot back, mockingly.
" Credence, you stay here. Christian, downstairs, now !" her voice had a sharp adge to it. Unsettling even Credence, who now looked at his brother with pity.
" Be brave, don't let her see you break" he tried to sound encouraging but failed as his voice cracked. Christian just nodded before following mother down the stairs and into the kitchen. They were now standing just before the fireplace and Cristian had an uncanny feeling he knew what was going to happen. All his treasured books lay scattered on the floor. Fire licking at them.
" Burn them" Mary Lou's cold voice rang out. The boy stepped forward, but hesitated for just a moment. It didn't escape Mary Lou's notice. In one smooth motion she kicked the stack of books. They tumbled into the flames, burning. Then faster than Christian could comprehend she took hold of the iron rod, that she kept by the fireplace for punishments just like this.
" Kneel " she spat, driving her boot to meet with the back of the boy's knees. Making him stumble and fall. Before he could adjust himself into a more comfortble position, the first lash fell across his back. Christian bit down on his lip, determined to do just as Credence had instructed him. But keeping quiet proved difficult. Each lash shattered a bit more of Cristian's resolve. The rod was flaming hot. Its tip slicing through abused skin like a hot knife through butter. A searing pain exploded over Christian's back following each sickening crack of the whip. His skin split open, hot blood running down his back, mingling with his sweat. Tears flowed soundlessly from his eyes.
"Let this remind you what happens to those who harbor sin." Mary Lou spoke loudly, sending a shiver down Christian's spine. Then she put the iron rod aside, allowing Christian to rise. The boy forced himself up, swaying on his feet slightly as he went back to his room. There Credence tended to his hurts to the best of his ability, but even that did little as ma provided her children with no medical care whatsoever. Christian's wounds became infected and the boy died of sepsis the following week. Yet another death Credence held himself accountable for. If I hadn't allowed Christian to bring home the books he would never have died, Credence thought unkindly as more guilt clouded his mind.