The Unwilling Assassin

“Promise me you’ll take care of him!” Sarah moaned in pain as she lay in the hospital bed. Her daughter, Ray, was holding her hand, trying desperately to fight back her tears. “Your brother is all you have.”

Ray laid a gentle hand on her mother’s shoulder and urged her to lie back down.

“You know I will, mom,” Ray implored, trying to ease her mother’s mind. “So long as I draw breath, Daniel won’t be in want for anything.”

Sarah tried to focus on her daughter’s blue eyes, a faint smile formed. “You’ve always been my pillar of strength, Ray. Thank you. I know I can always count on you.” Ray lowered her head, fighting hard so her mother couldn’t see her weakness. She needed to be strong for her mother. The cancer had spread and knew Sarah’s time on earth was drawing to a close. The nurse came in to give her mother the usual dose of painkillers to ease her pain, but for Ray, she knew this would be the last time she’d spend time with her mother, no matter the scenario.

What Ray didn’t know was that out in the world, another cancer was forming. Not in body, but in human form. Her patience, endurance and faith was about to be tested.