Tlstiffl

Why Can't This Be? [arockysmith + tlstiffl]

Marta was at first oblivious to his Ezra's distance, her excitement blinding her. When Ezra said they were there because it was her birthday, Marta let out a little laugh. "I completely forgot" she said truthfully. There were so many other important things to be concerned about then one day of the year. But now she was so glad it was her birthday, it meant Ezra was here with her. But his words began to concern her a little more, the way he spoke almost made it sound like he was some kind of dog on a leash and only Jeremiah got to say when he was allowed off. But she shook the feeling away, trying to stay happy.

She watched as Ezra pulled out something from his pocket and when he held it in front of her, she gasped. "Oh Ezra, it is beautiful" she said softly, taking the necklace and carefully clasping it behind her neck. She held onto the pendant for a moment before carefully tucking it under her shirt. She knew it would be dangerous to wear it, but she wanted to enjoy it for a little bit. She smiled at Ezra, leaning over and kissing him on the cheek. "It doesn't matter what we do, as long as I am with you, it is the best birthday ever."

She saw Ezra begin to fidget around, his hand coming near her but then pulling way. She frowned, but thought maybe he was just feeling a bit awkward. It had been months since they had seen each other, it would take time to find their rhythm again. Marta just stayed cuddled close to him, her legs still on his lap, as she enjoyed being near him. She was resting her head on his shoulder, allowing his scent to overcome her. It was familiar, but there was something new to it too. It was a metallic mix with dirt kind of smell. She knew his training occurred outside a lot, so it was probably just the smell of the earth on him. She liked it.

The tenseness in his body grew, Marta becoming concerned now, sat up a little just in time for him to move her legs off of him. She frowned and when he spoke, Marta couldn't help by but feel her frustration growing. This was what she was worried about, his last few letters had started to hint at it, Ezra was hardening himself. He was changing, which is fine, Marta was changing too, but she worried it may not be for the better. The words that left his mouth didn't seem like they were his own, it was like they were being repeated, as if he heard them from someone else. Marta couldn't contain it, her blood began to boil, and her anger rose. But she wasn't anger at Ezra. Her anger was suddenly directed towards someone else. Someone she should have confronted much sooner.

Without a word, Marta stood up and marched out of the house, looking around she spotting Jeremiah standing by his car smoking a cigarette. She walked straight up to him and without a word, she gave him a shove. But being as he is much taller and stronger than her, he barely moved a muscle. He flicked his cigarette away and glared at her.

"What have you done to him?!" Marta asked, her voice loud and angry, "You are brainwashing him! What are they to you? Just pawns in your game? Preparing them for battle? Against who, an army ten times the size of your own? You are destroying their lives and who they are, just so you can be the hero. Why don't you stop being a coward and fight your own battles and let them choose what they want to do!"

Marta was panting, her face as close to Jeremiah's as she could get, but the height difference made it so she was only at his chest. By this point, Atalia, Isiah and Mrs. H had stepped out onto the porch to see what the commotion was. Jeremiah gave Marta a look to kill. He reached over and grabbed her wrist, squeezing tight. It hurt, but Marta didn't flinch, she just continued to stare him down.

"You better stop talking about things you don't understand girl" he said, his voice low and threatening.

"You are sending them all to their deaths" she whispered with so much hatred behind it. With all her strength, Marta yanked her arm away and turn and ran off behind the cottage. She made her way behind the garden shed where they kept all the tools and began pacing back and forth. Her chest heaving and her pulse racing. All the feelings and thoughts she has been suppressing just boiled over in that one moment. She sensed it was happening, Ezra wasn't learn how to be a fighter to save people, he was being trained like a weapon to kill. But Marta knew the only outcome was his death.

Letting out a frustrated scream, Marta turn and slammed her fist into the wall of the shed. She felt a surge of pain go up her arm, but she ignored it, as she slowly slid down the wall, her knees coming up to her chest and she buried her head in her legs as the tears finally started to fall.

Why Can't This Be? [arockysmith + tlstiffl]

Marta thought she heard a car pull up, but paid no attention to it. She assumed it was Jeremiah, but he always came in without even a hello, so Marta was used to being ignore. So when she heard the front door open, she didn't worry, but then she heard a small thud behind her. She put the knife she was holding down, then heard her name. And it was her real name, she hadn't heard it in months. And the voice, she knew that voice without a doubt. Turning around slowly, Marta's heart pounding in her chest, she saw Ezra standing there before her. She didn't care who saw or what they may think, without a word, Marta ran over and jumped into Ezra's arms, wrapping her legs around his waist and pulled him into a deep kiss. Nothing could have stopped her, and there would be time to talk after, but for now she just wanted to enjoy the touch of the man she loved so much and missed so dearly.

After a few minutes, Marta finally let her legs drop and she slid back onto the floor. She pulled back from the kiss, but stayed close to Ezra. She finally took a moment to look at him, her hands running through his short hair and she laughed. "You cut your hair" she said smiling, still enjoying letting her fingers play with thew few long curls at the top. She let her hands slowly drop, and run down his arms, feeling the muscles underneath, and then she settled with her hands against his chest, which also felt hardened and muscular. Ezra had become quite the man. In their absence, Marta had always matured in her body a bit too. Going from a city girl, to a working farm girl, Marta developed a bit of a muscle herself, mostly in her arms. Her chest had grown a bit, with her body finishing its hormonal changes, and her hair blonde as ever, fell to the middle of her back.

Still refusing to leave his arms, Marta looked up, feeling the tears finally beginning to form which were ignored while she was kissing him. "What are you doing here?" she asked, pulling him towards the couch in the sitting room and sat down on it pulling him down. She snuggled close to him, her legs draped over his and held onto his hands. "I have missed you so much."

Not be able to contain herself, she leaned in again for another kiss, wishing it could go on for hours, but she knew Jeremiah was around somewhere and Mrs. H would be up soon. There would be some explaining to do to the old woman, but for now, Marta didn't care. She was back in the arms of the man she loved.

Why Can't This Be? [arockysmith + tlstiffl]

Marta was reading the most recent letter Ezra had sent her, a frown on her face. She was thrilled he had been able to find something to help him focus on and to help with his need to fight back. But she was worried if it was putting him into more danger, and hearing about the incident in the town only fueled that worry. Maybe it was going too far, maybe Ezra needed to step back for awhile, but she knew he wouldn't, he was too determined. He was out for blood. When she brought up her concern to Jeremiah, he just practically ignored her, only saying, "Ezra is a man. He does what it is needed by his people." Before Amelia could argue that they were just marching him to his death, Jeremiah left to go speak with Mrs. H.

Glaring at the man's back, Marta went back up to her loft, kicking her mattress for relief. Atalia who had been sitting on her bed, writing her letter to Isiah looked up at her. "What is it Kiva?" They were still being careful about names, but even though it had been a few months, Marta still felt weird being called Kiva. Letting out a sigh, Marta slumped down onto the floor.

"I am worried about Ezra, his last letter...it was...well it seems his rage is back and being fueled by the other men" she said, "At least all the men but Isiah. He seems to be Ezra's only salvation there."

"I know" Atalia began, frowning, "Isiah wrote in his letter about Ezra. He told me about the incident in town, and how the other men thought it was exciting and thrilling. They were looking up to Ezra as a sort of icon. A image of blood lust."

"I hate it Olive. He is going to be killed, I just... I hope it is what he wants too. If I found out he were forced into anything, I'd..."

"I know Kiva, I know. It is so hard. But that is why it is important we keep writing these letters. They need us to be there for them, no matter what."

"You are right" Marta sighed, standing to straighten out her mattress before getting her parchment and ink.

My Dear Ezra,

It all sounds so beautiful. I wish I could be standing by the lake with you right now. Atalia and I have began to learn knitting from Mrs. H. It is a tad boring in my opinion, but it helps to pass the long evenings. Expect a horrible crafted sweater in the next four to six months, since at the rate I am learning that is how long one sweater is going to take.

Ezra I know I say this in all my letters, but I do hope you are being careful. I know after everything you've been through, the rage inside is beginning to take over, but you can't let it Ezra. You are better than that. I know it is important to fight, and I want you to fight for you and your people. But most of all, I need you to fight for us. If you give into the rage, your vision will be shifted and you will start finding yourself in more and more situations like what happened in town. I need you to return to me Ezra.

As every day passes, I tell myself it is one day closer to being in your arms. I may not know when that day is, but we can only move forward. So please my love, stay strong and remember how much I love you.

With all the love in the world,
Marta
---------

Marta woke up six days later after sending her last letter to Ezra. It was usually the day Jeremiah came to visit, it also happened to be Marta's birthday. But Marta didn't even think about it, she didn't even tell Atalia or Mrs. H. She just started her day like always. Getting up she climbed down the loft and went into the bathroom. Marta was always the first to wake up, she had always been an early riser. She went into the bathroom and began her morning routine of washing her face and brushing her hair and pulling it up into a braid. The last few weeks, since the snow began to melt, they were getting ready to replant all of Mrs. H's gardens, So Marta put on her garden pants and an old button down shirt and was ready for the day.

She walked out in the kitchen and put the kettle on to start the tea. She then stood by the counter cutting up some apples for breakfast.

Why Can't This Be? [arockysmith + tlstiffl]

Marta and Atalia had both set up mattresses up in the loft. This was to be their new room for the unforeseeable future. Mrs. H filled them in on their back their. Marta and Atalia were her grand-nieces coming to spend a few months with her. Marta kept her name Kiva, but was now Kiva Hildreth and Atalia was now Olive Hildreth. Mrs. H told them they must start calling each other by those names so they got use to it, in case someone visited the house, their story had to seem legit and if they were calling the others by different names, it would blow their cover. It felt odd, hearing the name Kiva, but Marta eventually got use to it.

Two days after being sent to Mrs. H, Jeremiah showed up. Marta was anxious and felt her heart beating in her chest as he spoke to Mrs. H first, completely ignoring Marta and Atalia for the first minute. Then he finally turned and nodded at the girls. "Everyone is safe." he said, not using any names or giving away any more information. He handed each of them an envelope. "You absolutely must burn those after you read them. I will be leaving at night fall, so you have until then to write a reply." Marta and Atalia glanced at each other, both of them bubbling with excitement, before racing up the ladder to their loft.

Marta sat and read Ezra's letter, while Atalia did the same from the one Isiah wrote her. Marta felt her heart clench in sadness and happiness. Ezra was alive and in a safe place, where he would be able to heal properly. He spoke of the resistance, and how he would like to join when he was better. It made Marta nervous, but she knew it was for the best. He spoke of constantly wanting to be able to protect his people and his family, and this would be how he was going to be able to do it. And since he knew Marta was safe, she would not be there as a distraction. But how Marta wished she could be in Ezra's arms. When he spoke of the stars, tears rolled from her eyes. She made a promise to herself to look up at the stars every night until she was reunited with her love.

She reread Ezra's letter about five times, making sure to absorb and memorize every word since she would have to burn it. She so wished she didn't have to, but she understood why. Heaven forbid the Nazis showed up at the cottage, if they found the letters, they would be doomed. Marta took a piece of parchment from her bag and began her reply.

My dearest Ezra,

It feels like we have been parted for so long, yet it has only been a few days. I can't imagine not waking up without you by my side, but I know this is for the best. I am so proud of your wish to join the resistance, you will do so much good. Just promise me to be careful, I don't want to lose you. There has been too many close calls already. I know things with us have been on a constant flux, but at the end of the day, all that matters is we love each other.

Atalia (her new code name is Olive, and mine is Kiva) is doing well. You will be happy to hear that the resistance was able to rescue her before the Nazis tortured her, so she got out completely unharmed, maybe just a little shaken. She wants you to forgive yourself, she knows that you feel guilty for letting her be taken, but if we went back in time, she would do it again. Atalia is truly wonderful and I am glad I am able to call her friend now.

We are staying with a wonderful woman, Mrs. H. She is a non-Jewish person like me, and her husband was Jewish. They married in secret when they were both 18 and ran away to this cottage where they lived together until her husband died last year. Mrs. H is 78 years old. Ezra, she is my hope. My hope that everything between us will work out. I want to be old and married to you. You are my true soul mate.

Just remember, I am always with you. I am the wind in your hair, the sun on your face, the rain and snow in your hair. You will always be on my mind and I count the days until we are together again.

All of my love,
Marta

--------------

Over the course of the next few weeks, Marta and Atalia got into a routine with Mrs. H. Every morning the three woman would get up and have tea and biscuits for breakfast. Then Atalia and Marta would help Mrs. H with the chores, which included tending the garden, collecting the chicken eggs, cleaning the inside of the house, prepping meals, and laundry. It kept the two girls busy, but Atalia and Marta still found the time to have fun. They have bonded and started a special friendship. Atalia was secretly teaching Marta the Jewish traditions, though without books, Marta had to just memorize whatever Atalia taught her, thank goodness for her amazing memory. Mrs. H also had a tiny upright piano and Marta was hesitant to touch it, but after some encouragement from Atalia, she began to play again. Marta wished so deeply she had shared this part of her life with Ezra, but there would be time for that in the future.

About once a week, Jeremiah would come and bring the girls letters from their men. It was the day Marta looked forward to most. Be able to learn what Ezra has been doing. His health was getting better each day and he had begun some training, but nothing strenuous. He would tell Marta about all the men who he trained with and how being in the resistance was giving his hope back. But both their letters always contained words of love, how deeply they missed one another. Even though Marta was having a good time with Mrs. H and Atalia, she ached to see her love so much, but all in good time.

Why Can't This Be? [arockysmith + tlstiffl]

Marta had to steel herself. She told Ezra to be strong, but she needed to take her own advice. She saw the struggle in Ezra’s face as he was taken away, he didn't want to leave her, nor her him. But it was what was best. So watching Ezra leave, not knowing when she would see him again, was the hardest thing Marta had ever done. There was almost a brief moment she wanted to go after him, to stop him, but she stopped herself.

Once Ezra was completely out of her sight, Marta felt the air in her lungs lessening. Her chest was tight and breathing became harder and harder. She started heaving, her throat closing up. The nurse rushed over to her and moved her to the chair. “Put your head between your legs, breathe.” Marta did as she was told, feeling herself starting to go light-headed. After a few minutes, she finally stabilized her breath and sat up.

“Better? You were having a panic attack.”

Marta nodded, not trusting her voice. She couldn't even begin to process everything that has happened, Ezra almost dying, waiting in the hospital, taking on a new identity, being forced to separate from her love. Marta did not know what to do now. She thought Jeremiah was going to be escorting her, but he left with Ezra. After a few minutes, the nurse ushered her out of the room, Marta assumed back to the waiting room, but she was lead into a back storage room. The nurse left her there and Marta confused. After a few minutes, the for opened and a woman, probably about 10 years older than Marta. She has red curly hair, which Marta noticed already had streaks of grey in it. She had big brown round glasses and wore a dress.

“Marta?” She asked. Marta nodded. “I'm Rachel. I'm here to escort you to your safe house.”

Marta stepped away, hesitant, why should she trust this woman? Rachel sensing this, smiled gently. “I'm friends with Jeremiah, he asked me to come help you.” Marta had no other option, so she chose to trust the woman. She nodded and followed Rachel out of the closet and then they winded through the hallways, Marta losing track of all the turns. Eventually they went out a door that led to an alley behind the hospital, where a car was waiting. Rachel opened the door for Marta, who slid into the front seat, and noticed her suitcases were sitting. It made her feel a little better, if Jeremiah didn't give them to her, how would she have gotten them?

Once Rachel was situated, she drove off, winding through the streets, making her way out of Frankfurt. Marta wondered for a minute when would she return to the city of her birth, the page she grew up. To her, the city failed her, let her down. The only person holding her there was gone, so no looking back.

The two of them drove for almost five hours, only stopping once for gas and a bathroom break. It was nearly 4 in the morning when they arrived to their destination. It was a little cottage by a pond. Rachel told her it was owned by an elderly woman who had taken to the cause. Their car journey had educated Marta so much. She learned if the resistance that was forming, Jewish people banding together to fight the Nazis. Their numbers were growing. Mrs. Hildreth, the old woman she was staying with, was married to a Jewish man. Their marriage was forbidden but they stayed together and ran away to this cottage where they lived together until the day her husband died. After that Mrs. H took in stray Jews who needed a safe haven. It comforted Marta hearing about how Mrs. H married a Jewish man even though she wasn't. It was just like her and Ezra.

Marta and Rachel carried her bags in, Mrs. H greeting them warmly at the door. Marta looked around; there was a tiny kitchen with a fireplace stove, a small sitting area. Then two doors that lead to a bedroom and bathroom. In the sitting room there was a ladder leading up to a loft.

The door to the bathroom opened and someone walked out. Marta's eyes widened. Atalia! Marta ran over and threw her arms around the girl. She pulled back, a look of stock on her face. “How?” Atalia explained everything, how the resistance created a diversion at the building she was being held in and then they were able to sneak Atalia out and was brought here only a few hours ago. Marta felt like such a weight lifted off her shoulder. The two girls spent the rest of the night discussing what happened after Atalia was taken. Tears fell when they spoke about Ezra, but knowing all three of them were safe made everything seem hopeful once again.

Why Can't This Be? [arockysmith + tlstiffl]

Marta began to worry that Ezra's state was going to get them in trouble. While she too was fighting urges to touch Ezra, lay down next to him, kiss him, she had to remain strong. The only thing she thought would work best was to ignore him, though she did refuse to let go of his hand. She didn't care who saw, she needed to be able to at least touch Ezra. She cringed, wishing she could return the 'I love you', but worried her voice would give it away and it would be obvious that it wasn't a cousin saying it, but a lover.

Thankfully Ezra seemed to exhaust himself, and Marta listened as Jeremiah told him his plan. Marta was worried, where was she going to go? Was Ezra going to join her when he was healed? Would she be alone or would there be others where she was going? Watching Jeremiah leave, Marta suddenly felt panicked. She was now scared this could be her last time seeing Ezra for a long period of time, or even forever. And she couldn't even talk to him as the love of her life, only as a cousin. She couldn't imagine what she would do if this was goodbye forever.

The nurse that was in the room hadn't left, and seemed to notice Marta's panic. With a knowing look, she closed the curtain around Ezra's bed and looked at Marta. "You have exactly two minutes. I will go outside, close the door and say I am going to get Ezra's medicine. By the time I come back, you are to be sitting in that chair." The nurse nodded to the chair next to the bed, for family and guests to sit in. Marta nodded her head, trying to show the woman her gratitude with one look.

Once they were alone, Marta carefully slipped into the bed with Ezra. She wasn't even sure if he would understand her or remember this, but she had. "Ezra, I love you with all my heart" she whispered, not daring to speak any louder, "You are the best thing that has ever happened to me, I am a better person because of you. Please be strong, no matter what happens, you have to stay strong Ezra."

She then leaned over giving him a delicate kiss, willing all the love she had to transfer from her lips into his. She then carefully slid off the bed and into the chair just as the door opened again and the nurse opened the curtain. She nodded her head at Marta before going over and changing Ezra's IV bag.

About an hour later, Jeremiah returned, and Marta knew what it meant. She felt the tears she had been holding back since she came into the room, fall from her eyes. How could she say goodbye? "When will I see him again?" she asked.

"Soon I promise. We can't keep him here long." Marta prayed Jeremiah was being honest and that it wouldn't be long until she was reunited with her love.

"Can I please say goodbye?" she begged.

Jeremiah looked over his shoulders, the gestapo currently flirting with a nurse, making her very uncomfortable. "Make it quick."

Marta leaned over, knowing she couldn't say goodbye like she did earlier, but settled for kissing his forehead, "Goodbye Ezra."

Why Can't This Be? [arockysmith + tlstiffl]

Marta's nerves were on overload; between worrying about Ezra and constantly being away of the gestapo, Marta felt her energy weaken by the minute. But she couldn't lose focus, she couldn't slip up and let on who she was really was. So she began to chant in her mind. You are Kiva Baer. Ezra is your cousin, Jeremiah is your father. She repeated it over and over again. It gave her mind something to focus on, because if she sat there thinking about Ezra, she would have snapped. And that just wasn't an option.

A few hours later, the doctor who performed Ezra's surgery came out. Marta had to contain herself from springing out of her chair, but she did her best to stand remain calm. The doctor told them they were able to stop the bleeding, but he has lost a lot of blood, so they will see what sort of damage it caused when he wakes. Rather if he wakes up. Marta heard the blood pumping in her ears, her vision going blurry. She sat back down, feeling faint. My name is Kiva Bear..Ezra is my love..cousin. Oh god please don't die Ezra. Her emotions were beginning to overwhelm her, Jeremiah noticed and knew it couldn't end well. He stood Marta up and took her down the hall to the little cafe that was in the hospital for visitors. He got her some tea and did the best to get her to relax.

Another couple of hours passed and eventually a nurse came out and said that Ezra was waking up and they could go see him. This time Marta didn't try to control herself, she shot up from her chair and followed the nurse closely as she took her through the doors, the doors she has been forbidden to pass this whole time. Once they stood outside Ezra's door, they waited until the nurse inside gave them the ok. Walking in behind Jeremiah, Marta's eyes landed on Ezra. She couldn't help it, the tears began to fall. He looked so weak and pale.

When he heard him mutter her name, it made her heart swell, but then Jeremiah scolded him and Marta had to remind herself. I am Kiva. Marta walked over to the bed, resisting every urge in her body to lean over and kiss him. She settled for kissing him on the cheek, there was nothing wrong with kissing a cousin's cheek. While her face was up against his, she quickly whispered, "I love you."

When she pulled back, she reached out and held Ezra's hands. "How are you feeling cousin?"

It felt wrong, but she understood why they must do this. Marta's life was in danger, and if she let herself be caught, then Ezra would be in more danger too.

Men vs. Women Race to 1000

173

Why Can't This Be? [arockysmith + tlstiffl]

Marta was so trapped in her mind she didn't know anything going on around her. All she could see in her mind was the blood coming from Ezra's mouth. It shook her to the core, it would be an image she would never forget. And the fact that she couldn't be by his side was testing her limit of sanity. She didn't care anymore if Ezra didn't want to her near him, she just wanted to hold her hand. She felt a body sit down next to her, and she glanced up, her mind barely registering that it was Jeremiah. He heard his words, but didn't fully process them. All she heard was low profile. How could she keep a low profile when she was ready to crawl from her skin and scream until she got what she wanted.

But she managed, she just sat there, doing her best to keep her shaking to a minimum, but every time a doctor walked out from behind the doors she wasn't allowed past, she felt her heart racing and waited to see if they would come talk to her. But they never did. She would sink deeper into her chair each time it happened.

Marta was completely unaware of what Jeremiah was doing or the two men only a few feet away from her talking about her. It was probably for the best, because if she did, who knows what her actions would have been. Would she jump up and confess to her true identity? Would she try and run? Would she ignore the rules and race back and try and find Ezra, only to get kicked out and never be able to see them? They would never know and that is why it was for the best.

Suddenly she saw a doctor walking towards her, she sat up, her nerves racing. She hadn't noticed that the doctor was just talking to Jeremiah, so she thought he was coming over to tell her news about Ezra. But when he handed her a piece of paper, she gave him a piece of paper and left without a word. Marta confused, discretely unfolded the paper and read it. Marta went pale white, all the blood rushing from her face. She felt Jeremiah sit down next to her. Marta felt her hands shaking, the paper making a crinkling noise in her hand. But Marta took a deep breath; she had to remain calm and not draw any attention to herself. It took all her strength left not to look over at the gestapo. If they did it could arouse suspicion.

She looked up, keeping her eyes only on Jeremiah. She nodded her head, letting him know she understood what was happening now. It was more important than ever that she found out what was wrong with Ezra and get him out of here as soon as possible. She just prayed it wasn't too late and only she would be leaving the hospital. She shook that thought from her head, He will make it . She saw a nurse come over to her and ask if she was Ezra's cousin.

She nodded her head, sitting up and doing her best to act normal, "Yes I am Kiva. Do you know how my cousin is doing?"

"He had to go into emergency surgery. He was experiencing internal bleeding from his ribs puncturing his organs. We will let you know as soon as he is out of surgery."

Marta felt nauseous. Ezra was in such a frail state and Marta felt tears form in her eyes. He did too much... between their intimacy last night, and holding her back physical this morning and the traveling to Jeremiah's, it was too much for his body. Marta lowered her head, her hands burying themselves in her hair. She started saying every prayer she could think of, Christian, Jewish, Buddhist, whatever. Ezra had to come out of this alive, he just had to.

Why Can't This Be? [arockysmith + tlstiffl]

Marta stood there, looking at Ezra like a child looked for her mother. She felt lost and confused and scared. Marta truly wondered if this was Ezra's final straw, that he wasn't going to come back from this. Marta would never give up on him, no matter what, but in the end, only Ezra can choose to get better and be happy. She moved a little closer to the bed, sitting down near his feet. She wanted to be closer but still kept from touching him. "Ezra I don't hate your choice for stopping me. If i were in your shoes, I would have done the same thing. I never even imagined Atalia doing that, nor will I understand why. I have brought nothing but pain for her, so why did I deserve her mercy and her help?"

She looked down at her shoes, and was fiddling with a loose button on her dress. She wasn't fully aware of what Ezra was doing until he let out a whimper. Marta looked up, thinking he must have shifted weird and was in pain. But then she watched in horror as Ezra pushed down on his ribs and moaned in pain. She saw the blood trickling from his mouth and Marta had to put her hand over her mouth so she wouldn't scream in pure terror. She stood up, reaching over trying to make Ezra stop, but he almost seemed in a weird trance. His words were not translating in her mind, she barely heard him. All she cared about was stopping the bleeding coming from his mouth and getting him to stop moving. Eventually he seemed to wear himself out and Marta stood there shaking.

She turn and ran from the room and down the stairs, stumbling at the bottom. She found Jeremiah in the kitchen making tea. She was trembling and tears pouring from her face. "Ezra...hospital...bleeding" she couldn't even form full sentences. But Jeremiah understood, and ran up the stairs. When he saw the boy lying there, his skin growing paler by the minute, Jeremiah knew it was bad. Scooping the boy in his arms, he carried him down the stairs, telling Marta to grab his car keys on the counter. Once outside, he took Ezra over to his car, placing him in the back seat, telling Marta to go in their and hold him. Marta listened, sitting down and placing Ezra's head in her lap. Tears falling down her face as she watched blood still coming from his mouth.

They reached the hospital and for the second time in a week, Marta watched the man she loved taken behind the doors and she couldn't follow. Nor could Jeremiah when they realized he wasn't family. So the two waited. Jeremiah pacing back and forth, while Marta sat huddled in a chair, her body trembling that it made her vision shaky and everything around her blurry. Would God ever give them a break?