"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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(Photo Credits: The photographs used on this page are from Touched by an Angel and owned by CBS Productions, Caroline Productions, and Moon Water Productions.  They are not being used to seek profit.)