“This is a reminder to follow my orders or face the consequences,” Papa states.
WHACK!
It takes a moment for my body to register what just happened, but a coal-hot fire runs down the length of my back when it catches up.
I scream out in pain as a throb filters across my skin.
WHACK!
“Papa, please?—!”
WHACK!WHACK!
My back is on fire as each hit comes harder and harder.My eyes sting as tears flood down my cheeks.
WHACK!
“The Fellowship doesn’t allow disobedience amongst our flock.We are one unit, one purpose to follow me andmyteachings.”
WHACK!
“My word is law, and you will follow and obey.”
WHACK!WHACK!
I can hear gasps and crying, but all I can focus on is the blinding pain.
WHACK!
“I’m sorry, Papa.I’m sorry!”I shout.“Please, I’ll never disobey again.”
WHACK!
My body jolts down low to the ground, and I feel the men that were holding my arms release me.I collapse on my stomach, too weak and in pain to move.A pair of black shoes come into view, and I feel a yank in my neck as my hair is pulled almost out of my scalp.My head is at a weird angle as Papa comes into my line of sight.
“If you ever go against me again, this will seem like child’s play, girl,” he spits out then looks around.“That goes for everyone here as well.Let this be an example to those who defy me and The Fellowship.”Once he releases my hair, I drop back down on the ground.“Get her out of my sight and get back to work!”
Feet shuffle around me as everyone scatters.
I’m trying to catch my breath when a white skirt drops down beside me, reaching to hold my hand.My body flinches at the movement.
“Oh my goodness, let me help you up,” I hear a sad voice say.When I look up, I see Judy trying to figure out where the best place is to touch me.
“I don’t think I can move,” I whisper, panting shallowly because every movement feels like my flesh has been burned off of me.
“I want to get you out of sight in case he comes back,” Judy says.“I’m gonna grab under your arms at the armpit, take a deep breath.”
I do and she pulls me up on my knees.The pain zaps across me.I feel like I might pass out.After a moment, she pulls me the rest of the way to my feet.I sway and collapse against her front.Judy carefully guides my steps over to the backdoor and down the hall.Once we clear my room, she gently places me on my stomach.
“I’ll be back, I’m going to get some medicine,” she informs me as I hear footsteps retreat from the room.
I must blackout for a bit because the jolt of the bed dipping down startles me awake, and I try desperately to move away from whoever’s there.
“It’s just me, sweetheart,” Judy says.“Take these to help with the pain while I try to cover these stripes with antibiotic ointment.I’m afraid that a few might need some stitches, but I don’t know how it’s going to be possible.”
She passes me a glass of water, and I gulp down the pills and chug the water.The moment she lightly dabs a spot on my back, my body goes into flight mode.On its own accord, I’m on the run, moving away from the scorching blaze of pain shooting through me.
“It’s gonna hurt, but we can’t let it get infected,” she voices quietly as I try not to sob.