(Sorry it took FOREVER to post Chapter 3! I’ve been so busy! And maybe a bit lazy)

Adina stretched as the morning sun shone through the small window. She knelt at her bedside and said her morning prayers. After getting dressed, she ran into the kitchen, guided by the delicious smells of breakfast.

“Shalom, Mother!”

 “Shalom, my dear child.” Mother smiled, but her eyes said otherwise. 

Adina wolfed down some bread and grabbed a fig.

 “Mother, may I pick flowers with Mary in the meadows?”

 “Of course, dear. Just be back in time for lunch.”

 “Thank you, Mother!” said Adina as she rushed out the door.

Mother sighed and went back to kneading the bread. “Yahweh, in heaven on high, please protect my daughter.” 

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Eve almost screamed when Peter burst through the door. 

“Eve! I…have seen…the Messiah!” Peter exclaimed, gasping for air after sprinting all the way home.

Her eyes wide, Eve dropped what she was doing and ran over to her husband. 

Closing the door, Eve whispered, “Don’t let anyone hear you say that. That is blasphemy!”

“But Eve! I am not blaspheming! I have seen the Savior, and so has Andrew!” Peter retorted.

Oh, Peter, you must have been out in the sun too long, dear,” said Eve, her face softening. “Here. Sit down, and I’ll make you some tea.”

“Eve! Why don’t you understand? I am fine, but you aren’t.” Peter shouted and stormed out the door.

As Peter left, Eve silently prayed, God, please show me if Peter is right. Show me if the Messiah has come.

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“Tag! You’re it!” shouted Mary. 

“Not for long!” Adina playfully replied. 

Throwing her flowers down, she sprinted after her. After a couple of minutes, Adina slowed down, panting and wheezing. 

“Mary! I…give up!” 

“Haha! I knew I was faster!” 

“Uh, Mary… why are you spinning?”

 “Adina? Are you alright?” Mary asked, holding Adina’s arm. 

Adina didn’t reply. Instead, holding her chest, she collapsed onto the soft grass of the meadows. Then, it started to rain.