I have purposely been seated at a table littered with plastic-coated sheets of scriptures penned by the apostles Ezra, Nehemiah, and Soloman. Oh, don’t get me wrong, not the Bible’s apostles; I’m talking about the three founding brothers of the Heavenly Women’s Retreat two miles off Jensen Road.
Note: only women occupy the chairs; their eyes focus on Ezra’s wife, Annabelle, obviously swollen with child. Her seventh?
Rumor? The baby is Soloman’s.
I won’t read these “scriptures.” I won’t be brainwashed or convinced to join the cult.
What will I do? Rescue my sister. Annabelle will sleep beside me tonight.
Up From the Ashes 
The guys really should have worked out they needed a woman to front it
LikeLiked by 1 person
Possibly. Sometimes guys aren’t the sharpest pencils in the box. Thanks, Neil.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m rooting for her!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Me, too! The love of a sister is very strong.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I would expect no less from my sister. She would drag me out by my hair if necessary and no one would dare stop her. Lord help the mister, who comes between me and my sister.
Tracey
LikeLiked by 1 person
Mine would do the same. (Thanks for the earworm! 🙂 or not!) Glad you stopped by.
LikeLiked by 1 person
😉 if it makes you feel better, I’m singing it too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
P.S. Were there any advertisements connected to this post? I tried to figure out how to eliminate them last week. Thanks for helping.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have never understood the power of cults. People sometimes mention I am not listening to them, so brain washing doesn’t work as I lose concentration with the constant babble. The religious element seems to be a common factor.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Boy, me neither. I would hope that such word-dribble wouldn’t draw me in. Heck, after all these years, I consider myself pretty savvy. Thank you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Lish,
This sent chills down my spine. I hope she can get her sister (and herself) out alive. Well done.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sister love will prevail ~ I hope. Thanks, Rochelle
LikeLike
Interesting – I just watched a video about cults yesterday. Hopefully she rescues her sister, but that is only the beginning for poor Annabelle who will need months of therapy.
LikeLiked by 1 person
True. I hadn’t thought about that aspect. Thanks
LikeLiked by 1 person
Funny how we both saw the photo and thought ‘cult’. Great story, Lish.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Somehow, I think it’s the candles and sparse seating, and many appear focused on the women by the window. Thank you
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s horrifying but not unheard of.
LikeLiked by 1 person
People with too much charisma and power are scary. Thanks, James
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ah, the sister of the captive who probably was voluntary in the beginning. I’ve often noticed that some cults put women in a very difficult position. I hope the sister wins!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Me, too! Thanks for reading.
LikeLiked by 1 person
These cult leaders are the masters of manipulation. Getting sucked in is easy, getting out is not. Nicely written. I would love to read the next scene.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh! Maybe I can make that happen. Thanks, Russell.
LikeLike
when i doubt, she should follow her heart
LikeLiked by 1 person
True!
LikeLike
Excellent story, Lish!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you!
LikeLike
Thank goodness she was there, hopefully, Annabelle was persuaded to leave with her sister.
LikeLiked by 1 person
We can always hope. Thanks.
LikeLike
Good one, Lish!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Bear. Hope all is well.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s about as good as it gets. Hubs has new job.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sisters standing strong 🙌
LikeLiked by 1 person
You bet! Thanks.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Every time I read about a cult, or watch a documentary, I wonder how people can possibly believe such utter drivel. But then I recall that Hitler and Putin use/d similar tactics.
LikeLiked by 1 person
As Trump did and is stilling doing, drawing people in. Thanks (I tried to leave a reply on your story. Did you get it?)
LikeLike
Gripping. I hope she can save Annabelle and all her children.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hope so too. Thank you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Interesting twist. I hope she succeeds.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Me too!
LikeLike
I love her determination to rescue her sister and hope she is successful. The last line is very powerful.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Brenda
LikeLike
Oh my, this morphed into something totally unexpected. With her determination, I’m sure she will succeed in rescuing her sister.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes!!! I believe she will. Thanks for reading.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re most welcome.
LikeLike
Physical extraction will be easier than mental extraction. When people get entrenched in a belief system, anybody who tries to emancipate them is the enemy. Very engaging take.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! And I fully agree. Sometimes, there’s no escape.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh I love this final line… I believe her. She will rescue her sister.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Laurie. She WILL rescue her sister!
LikeLiked by 1 person