"There is nothing in a caterpillar that
tells you it's going to be a butterfly."
~~Buckminster Fuller
Hi all,
Summer's waning and fall is almost here! I'm looking
forward to it as summer has long been my least creative
season. Thus, I don't really have anything new to share
today but, in writing my current story, I've been thinking
about "Chrysalis." So I thought featuring a scene from
that and talking a bit about it would be good.
So here goes!
God bless,
Jenni
A
Dyeland Story Scene Dissection: Salma's and Zelda's Rescue
from "Chrysalis"
In this story, Joshua and Co. run a safe house for survivors
of human trafficking. Further, they get directly
involved in some of the rescues. This particular rescue
scene had a lot of emotional pull for me because it involved
Salma, sister to Isra Al-Mitra, and Zelda... who we later
learn was Logan's long lost love. In order to rescue
them, Joshua and Behnam (Salma's brother-in-law) pose as
johns... which, yeah, don't think that wasn't something that
sent chills up my spine... to get the two women separated from
their captors. Some angels, married vampires, and a not
exactly jolly ol' St. Nick accompanied them to minister to the
women and then sneak them out to Joe's and Andrew's escape car
under the guise of a family reunion outing. And here's
how that goes...
~*~*~
After arriving at the hotel with Behnam, Joshua was relieved to
discover, upon checking in with Nick's crew, that everything was
going according to plan. Better even. Not only had
the hotel ensured that Nick's key unlocked the adjoining doors
on the three "family reunion" rooms but they had also mistakenly
given him access to Joshua's room.
"And I was so looking forward to picking the lock," Azrael had
joked.
Following a final rundown of their plan, Behnam and Joshua had
returned to their room to wait. After a few silent,
strained moments, Joshua took Behnam's hand.
"Pray with me?"
"Of course."
"Our Father, Who art in Heaven," Joshua began.
"Hallowed be Thy name," Behnam picked up when the carpenter's
voice shook.
"Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, on Earth as it is
in..."
The two men were interrupted by a knock on the door.
"Is this Leon's room?" a harsh male voice asked.
Joshua squeezed Behnam's hand then went to the door.
"It is. One second," he shouted back, going to the
adjoining door and giving it a swift, light knock to alert the
others. He turned around and saw that Behnam had his hood
up. Joshua went to the door and opened it. He stared
at the man, Gunnar. He knew if he looked at either Salma
or Zelda, he would crack.
Gunnar pushed the two women past Joshua then closed the door
behind him.
"We require payment up front."
Joshua nodded and handed over a wad of bills.
Gunnar did a quick count.
"You have em for four hours. Exactly four hours. No
more."
"Got it."
"I'll be by later to pick them up."
"Sounds good."
With a final nod, Gunnar left the room.
As soon as the door was closed, Joshua hastily locked it.
He rested his forehead against the jamb and took a few deep
breaths before turning around.
"So, umm, what is it that you're into?" Zelda asked once Joshua
was facing her. "And... your friend?"
Joshua allowed himself to look at the two and tears clouded his
eyes. He waited for the signal. A knock on the
adjoining door. He sighed when it sounded. Azrael
had peeked into the hall and made sure Gunnar was gone.
"My friend," Joshua began, "is named Behnam Al-Mitra."
Salma gasped and spun around to face the other man who was
seated on the foot of the bed. Behnam stood, lowered his
hood, and held his arms out.
"I... I don't un-understand..." Zelda stuttered.
"Salma..." Behnam murmured.
Salma half fell and half walked into her brother-in-law's
arms. She began to sob.
Joshua gently took Zelda's arm when she started to shake.
"My name isn't Leon, Zelda. It's Joshua Davidson and I run
a shelter, the Chrysalis Court. It's for survivors of
trafficking. I have several friends helping me, including
Behnam... who is married to Salma's sister, Isra."
"Isra..." Zelda repeated as she stared at her friend.
Salma sometimes spoke of Isra. The reality of what was
happening suddenly hit the girl. They were being rescued!
"This... this is real?" she choked out.
"Very real," Joshua reassured. "A few of our friends are
in the next three rooms over. They have some food and
fresh clothes. We're going to wait here for a couple of
hours, until it's dark, and then we're going to make our escape
and join Salma's sister and the others at our safe house.
Okay?"
Zelda nodded before flinging her arms around Joshua and, like
Salma, dissolving into tears.
"Isra will be so happy when we get you back to the Chrysalis,"
Behnam murmured to his sister-in-law. "Aiyla and Omar,
too. We have all missed you so much, sweet Salma."
"Isra's sent you a letter, Salma. A video, too, if you'd
like to see them," Joshua offered as he continued to console
Zelda.
While she still kept a grip on Behnam, Salma turned to Joshua
and nodded.
Joshua gave Zelda a gentle pat on the back and turned her
towards the adjoining door.
"Let's go in the other room. The letter and video are
there. And you're probably hungry. We can have
dinner."
"Do... do you think I could shower first?" Zelda inquired.
"Of course. You can do whatever you want," Joshua replied
as he knocked on the door.
Zaila promptly answered.
"Welcome, Salma and..."
"Zelda," Joshua introduced. "Ladies, this is Zaila.
And that's Nick just over there. And Azrael and Freya just
coming in from the other room and Isolde and Marco behind
them. They all work at the Chrysalis Court."
Not wanting to crowd the two young women, the others hung back
and only smiled and waved in greeting.
"Zelda would like a shower," Joshua whispered to Zaila.
"Of course!" Zaila held her hand out to the girl who
tentatively took it. "We brought some clothes so how about
you pick something out that you like first?"
Zelda looked down at the skin-tight, flaming red dress she was
wearing. She would be grateful to never set eyes on it
again.
"I... I would like that. Thank you."
She followed Zaila into the next room where Isolde and Freya had
laid out their offerings.
Joshua's attention shifted to Salma who refused to relinquish
Behnam. Azrael held Isra's letter out which Joshua took
and brought to the siblings.
"Here's Isra's letter, Salma. Maybe Behnam could read it
to you?" he suggested. Salma could read fairly well, he
knew, but now was not the time to tax her.
"Please."
Behnam led Salma to a couch then sat down beside her and took
the letter. He drew in a few deep breaths then began to
read.
"My dearest sister, my heart and soul rejoice to know you're
alive although I ache knowing what you have suffered. I
long to put my arms around you and hold you close, never to part
from you again. I dream of seeing my babies once again
reunited with their beloved auntie. Oh Salma... I
love you so much, sweet sister. I am counting the minutes
until you are with me again. All my love, Isra."
"Isra..." Salma cooed. After Behnam handed her the note,
she began to trace the letters. "And video?" she asked
after a few moments.
Isolde stepped nearer, holding out her phone.
"Would you like me to start it?"
Salma nodded.
Isolde pressed play then gave the phone to the girl.
Fresh tears welled when Salma saw her sister.
"Salma... My Salma," Isra murmured. "I... I am not
sure what to say other than what's in my note. There is so
much I want to say... but with you here. I... I want to
say 'I love you' over and over again. For right now... I
have this."
Salma's fingers caressed the screen as her big sister sang a
lullaby that their Mor had soothed them to sleep with.
When she had finished, Isra gave the camera a teary smile.
"I'm here, Salma. At the Chrysalis Court... waiting for
Joshua and Behnam to bring you to me. Do not be afraid, my
sweet sister. You are safe now. You are almost
home. I love you, Salma. So much."
Salma rested her head on Behnam's shoulder and wept as Isra blew
her kisses before disappearing.
Behnam softly swayed. He soon realized that Salma had
drifted off.
"Poor Salma," Zelda whispered when she returned. "I don't
think she's feeling well."
Behnam looked up to Joshua in alarm.
"Probably allergies," Joshua posited though he knew this was
true.
Behnam relaxed.
"Zelda, let's make you up a plate," Freya offered.
"Oh... Yes, please," Zelda replied when she saw the spread
of crackers and cheese and fruit and vegetables.
Once she was seated, Freya brought her a pamphlet about the
Chrysalis and a couple of the newsletters Kemara had prepared.
"I thought you might want to know about where we're going."
"Sure. Thank you. I... I still can't
believe..." Zelda picked up a newsletter. "Maybe
this will make it more real."
The others were quiet as the girl read, her eyes misting.
"It... it sounds like a dream. Will Salma and I be able to
share a room?"
"Sure. And we have a storeroom set up where you can pick
out decor so it'll truly be your own," Nick told her.
"And... the police? Will they be there?" Zelda asked, her
anxiety evident.
Joshua crouched in front of her.
"After we leave here, we're going to a Suburban where two
friends are waiting. One is the district attorney.
If you're willing, eventually, he'd love for you to talk to him
or, if you'd prefer, a female officer. Just to share any
information you might have about those who kept you and Salma
captive. But that's it. You're a free woman, Zelda."
"Free..." she echoed. Zelda cast a gentle look on the
sleeping Salma. "Her birthday was on Sunday. I... I
told her that we'd have cake and ice cream next year a-and
really celebrate."
Joshua took one of her shaky hands in his.
"We'll get you cake and ice cream as soon as you're both up to
it."
Zelda peered into his eyes and shuddered. But not from
fear... it was shock over the absence of fear. For the
first time in years, she had looked into the eyes of a man and
felt no fear.
*~*~*
After an hour's worth of rest, Salma had awoken. Like her
friend, she chose a shower over eating. Behnam couldn't
help but smile when he realized that, without her knowing it,
Salma had chosen Isra's cast-offs from among the array.
With both girls dressed and showered, Behnam and Joshua took
their turns changing. Though they thought it unlikely that
Gunnar would spot them, a change in attire offered an extra
layer of security.
Isolde approached Salma as she snacked, holding her phone out.
"You're welcome to use it to call your sister, if you'd like."
Salma stared at the phone for a few moments then shook her head.
"I... I have so often dreamed of her voice. I will wait
now. Until we are together and I... I know it's not a
dream."
Marco checked his watch.
"6:40. Not long. Anyone heard from Andrew?"
Freya nodded.
"He texted about five minutes ago. He and Joe are in
place."
Joshua lifted a curtain and peeked out.
"It's already pretty dark. If everyone's ready, we can go
now."
The others murmured their agreement. While Nick stepped
outside to do a quick survey and make sure Gunnar was no where
nearby, the others packed up what they'd brought.
Joshua hugged Isolde and Marco.
"Thank you so much for staying. I appreciate it more than
you know."
Isolde squeezed Joshua's hand.
"It's our pleasure." Her eyes twinkled. "We've
decided we're going to jump on the beds."
Marco chuckled.
"She decided. I didn't have the heart to say no."
Joshua beamed at them both.
"I'll look forward to having us all together at the Chrysalis
tonight."
"Me too!" Isolde raised her voice when she saw Nick
re-enter. "Nick, you could come see my shrine later
tonight if you'd like?"
"I'd love that!" The saint approached and bestowed his own
hugs on the two. "It's been a blessing to spend this time
with you. God is assuredly very proud of you both."
"Aww. Thanks, Nick!" Isolde replied as Marco bowed his
head and shook the man's hand.
Joshua wordlessly nodded his assent, afraid of giving himself
away if he spoke.
"Is everything clear, Nick?" Zaila checked.
"All clear!"
Joshua turned to Behnam, Salma, and Zelda.
"Are you ready?"
The three nodded.
"Then here we go," Joshua replied before opening the door in the
room farthest from the one where Gunnar had brought the girls.
As they climbed down the staircase, the angels and Nick
nonchalantly made small talk.
"Augh. I wish we didn't have to lug this suitcase clear to
Aunt Anne's hotel. But she insisted we bring all the
family photos."
"And then she'll make us lug it back. You know she
will. Her and her unhealthy phobia of 'clutter.'"
"It's a wonder she and Grandma grew up in the same house.
Grandma always had stuff all over the place."
Joshua smiled, amused that his angels were so talented at lying.
Once they were outside, the chatter stopped. They all
focused on looking for the gray Suburban that Andrew and Joe
would be driving.
"There. Parked by that trash can," Azrael whispered once
he'd spotted it.
Walking at a swift but normal pace, the eight hurried down the
sidewalk. When they approached the car, Andrew hopped out
of the passenger seat. He opened the back door then rushed
to help Nick, Azrael, and Zaila load the suitcases. At the
same time, Joshua and Behnam ushered the girls into the
van. The others crowded in from the other side and, soon,
everyone was in and the doors and windows were again closed.
"First stop, the Chrysalis Court," Joe announced before steering
onto the street.
Andrew smiled at the others in the rear-view mirror.
"I'm so glad you ladies are here. My name's Andrew and our
driver is Joe. Salma, I brought you something from Isra."
Surprised, Salma accepted the covered plate. She began to
cry when she saw what it contained.
Behnam squeezed her shoulders.
"Isra asked me to tell you that there's more where those came
from. She'll make you all the pastries you could ever
want."
With a shaking hand, Salma picked up one of the treats and took
a bite. She closed her eyes, imagining she was back home
with her sister... long before the disgrace and the pain and the
sorrow.
"Take some... please." Salma held the tray out to Zelda
then passed it around. "My... my big sister made them."
As the others enjoyed the pastries, Salma rested her head on
Behnam's shoulder and counted the minutes until she was with her
sister again.
*~*~*
Thoughts:
One thing that was particularly moving for me to write was how
shaken Joshua was about the whole endeavor. He obviously
knew what he was doing was right but it was still an extremely
difficult situation. For one, he actually had to pay a
trafficker. (Something that I really tried to find a way
around but never could.) For another, there would be a few
seconds when Salma and Zelda would assume he and Behnam were,
essentially, rapists. He's so horrified by this that he
takes a second to brace himself before facing them. And he
also had to resist the urge to unload on Gunnar, the
trafficker.
Meanwhile, this isn't an easy thing for Behnam. While I
didn't make it explicit in the story, this is the second time
Behnam's found himself in a room with a woman who assumes he'll
abuse her. It happened with Isra and now here it is
happening again with her little sister. That's miserable!
Thankfully, the misunderstanding really does only last for a few
seconds. Once Gunnar leaves, Behnam reveals himself as
Salma's brother-in-law. This makes Joshua look pretty
morally solid and both women almost instantly accept that
they're safe and are going to be cared for and respected.
One bit of fun in this otherwise dire scene: Joshua uses the
alias of Leon with the traffickers. It's especially
appropriate since Salma will come to known him as Zmaray...
"lion" in Pashto. But it's also Noel aka Christmas spelled
backwards. It also means that Joshua isn't lying when
Gunnar asks "Is this Leon's room?" and he says it is.
Because Joshua did rent the room... and the Lion of Judah is one
of his names.
One thing that Joshua and Co. take care to do is give both women
agency. When Zelda asks if she can take a shower, he
responds that she can do whatever she wants. Zaila
encourages both women to pick out some clothes from the
selection they'd brought. Freya supplies Zelda with some
materials about the Chrysalis so she can be informed about where
they're going. Nick promises that, once at the shelter,
the two women will be able to decorate their room however they
want. Joshua ensures that they won't be pushed into
talking to the police before they're ready and reiterates for
Zelda that she's a free woman. And Isolde offers her phone
to Salma so she can call Isra if she wants. They're just
little things that we probably all take for granted but they're
things Salma and Zelda hadn't been able to do.
And then they're off to be reunited with their loved
ones... And Joshua gets ready to do it all again because
setting captives free is what he does.
This newsletter is dedicated to John Dye and the cast and crew
of TBAA for exposing us to so many moral issues. I
thought so often of " For Such a Time as This" while I was
writing "Chrysalis."
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Touched by an Angel and owned by CBS Productions,
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