She sat in the cave, her new residence of late. “Grief and Sorrow! It’s all so confusing. I haven’t done any evil since Poisonous came to Earth.” She smiled. “And I like it. By my once wicked soul, I like it and I love Poisonous! Demons are not supposed to do those things, but I would rather live in The Light than in the darkness of hatred.”
She yawned, emotionally exhausted by emotions humans took for granted. She went to her cave, and fell sound asleep—something she had never done before.
Twenty
Sunday, September 28th
The room stared blankly back at her. She had counted the spots on the wall several times, and had lost count. The ache in her groin had subsided, but still stubbornly nagged her as a dull pain: not bad, but annoying. On the one hand, she wanted to get out of her bed, but on the other, she stubbornly refused to budge, and remained locked away in her room.
The whole ordeal embarrassed her to where she didn’t want to talk to anyone, or to have anyone see her. “Good grief: my colleagues treated me badly, and with total disdain. I don’t understand it.” The dull ache in her midsection once again reminded her that some evil angels had treated her cruelly, even as a demon. As she lay there, she heard a loud rumbling noise. She put her hands on her stomach and moaned in discomfort. Her midsection felt like it had a hole in it, and her head pounded like a jackhammer.
She heard Evie come in the house, and decided to go see her. At least it might take her mind off her aching belly and splitting headache. She walked slowly towards the living room, and saw Evie putting away her Bible. Evie turned and saw her before she could get lose her nerve and run back to her bedroom.
“Hi, Poisonous! Are you all right? You look like you’re in pain. Is something wrong?
At first, she avoided eye contact with her. Finally she spoke, mostly because the pain in her midsection and head were becoming unbearable and she was starting to shake with weakness. Fear overtook her. She thought for sure that she was going to shrivel and die, but her pride would not let her admit it. Finally, she got up the nerve. “Evie, I’m so hungry, my stomach hurts. My head hurts so badly I can hardly endure it. I feel like I’m getting weaker by the moment.”
She frowned and pounded on the table. “Curse this human body! I’m hungry and can do nothing about it. I know I’m going to the Second Death ultimately, but I don’t want to get there by dying of hunger.”
Evie just laughed.
Poisonous frowned, not appreciating being the butt of Evie’s private joke. “Hey! I realize I tormented you, and have treated you badly, but you don’t have to ridicule me when I’m in pain.” Tears started coming out of Poisonous’ eyes, which very much surprised her. She quickly looked away, embarrassed and upset.
“Oh, honey, I’m sorry,” Evie Said. “I wasn’t making fun of you. I know you need to eat. I’m just surprised you’ve lasted this long. You haven’t eaten a thing since you came back from the hospital.”
She turned quickly back at Evie. “You belittle me. Stop at once or I’ll...” She glared at her with all the fury she could muster, but softened her expression when she realized she was in no position to do anything to Evie. Moreover, she didn’t want to. “I don’t really feel like eating right now. I’ve been humiliated; they hurt me...” Her words trailed off.
“You were raped, Poisonous. You need to admit it to yourself.”
She eyed Evie warily. “I suppose I must, but only if you’ll promise not to laugh at me.”
Evie just smiled sadly. “Of course not! I would never make fun of rape. It’s a very traumatic and violent thing to go through, and I wouldn’t wish it on anyone. I’ll pray that you recover physically... and emotionally. It’s difficult enough to learn to be human, never mind adding rape into the equation.”
She looked at Evie. She screwed up her courage. “Th-thank you.” She immediately looked away, embarrassed.
“You know, Poisonous, you really must eat. I know you’re not much in the mood, but you need your strength. You’re in a human body, whether you want to face that fact or not.”
“Would you mind making me something to eat? I... ” She stared away, embarrassed at her lack of ability and more at her helplessness. “I…I don’t know how to cook.”
“Of course, sweetie. No problem. When one likes to eat, one learns to cook to satisfy their hunger and tastes. What would you like to eat?”
Her face warmed and turned crimson. She felt even more embarrassed at being in a position of such weakness; but she had to swallow her pride, because she would starve to death otherwise. She spoke quietly. “I’m not even sure of what I want. I’ve never eaten here in the condo much. Since you’re being kind to me, I’ll eat whatever you want to make.”
Evie walked over to her, and put her hand on her shoulder. Poisonous cringed and pulled away. Then she relented, managing a small smile. “I’m sorry. I’m not used to warmth and affection yet. I’m still learning to be able to participate in it without being uncomfortable. I…I guess I sort of overreacted.”
“Don’t worry.” Evie held her hands now. “You are a dark spirit in a young woman’s body and you now know the truth about our Father’s love for you. You’re very confused, because you no longer have the
