Gates of Paradise (Casteel 4)

fingers touched, I began to cry.

"Don't cry, Annie. We're here."

They were here, really here? I feasted my eyes

on them the way someone lost on a deserted island

might feast her eyes on her rescuers, half in disbelief,

half in overwhelming joy. It was as if a wonderful

light had come into this dreary suite, as if bars had

been lifted from windows and locks unfastened. My

Winnerrow world came rushing through the door,

flooding me with a torrent of memories and wonderful

feelings. Nightmares retreated. I could escape this

madness. My heart burst with joy. Luke hadn't

forgotten me, hadn't deserted me. He had heard my

call. Our love was so strong it would overwhelm

everything in its way. Instantly, I felt my strength

return. I was like a flower that had been shut up in a

dark corner and never watered. Just before it wilted

forever, the prison had been torn away, the light had been permitted to caress it, and loving rain had revived it. It would bloom again. I would bloom

again. Luke and I would be together once more. "Oh, Luke, please . . take me home."

"We will, Annie."

Tony rushed up behind Aunt Fanny.

"Are you satisfied now? Can't you see how sick

she is?" he screamed.

"No, Luke. No. I'm not sick . . , he's making me

sick. He pats medicine in my food that makes me

weak. Don't believe him."

"Jist as I thought . jist as that man said." Aunt

Fanny drew closer to my bed, her face creased with

concern.

"What man, Luke?"