The Sifting by Azure Boone

could ever want. This is merely a taste of it, of course. For you and seven generations after. They will be cared for like kings and queens.”
    Sarah regarded the long row of trays stuffed with cash, precious metals and gems. She paused. “Why is there a Bible?”
    “ You must choose your God.”
    Sarah went to the table and picked up the bible, kissed it, then regarded the rest. Anger suddenly flashed through her. That they would compare God’s worth to money was an insult. She dumped the entire table over, sending their precious garbage crashing to the floor.
    The man’s movements were jerky and flustered as he glanced from her to Micah.
    “ Please tell me there were other Christians that passed this sad test,” Sarah said, watching the man act as though he’d never seen such a thing.
    “ Yes,” Micah said. “Just…not quite like that, and not so quickly.”
    Sarah looked at the Bible in her hands and went to the corner with it, excitement racing through her. This was a sign from God. She’d been praying since she knew her fate that she’d read more of the Word. She’d gotten away from it. She used to know so many versus by heart, and now, she had a copy right here in her hands. She opened it to make sure it wasn’t a trick. It wasn’t. It was real. She kissed it again, thanking Him for the miracle. That’s what it was.
    She became aware of the silence and looked up and found both of them gawking at her.
    The man looked at Micah. “I shall…go and prepare the next phase.”
    Sarah returned to reading as fast as she could, feeli ng like she were cramming for the most important test in her life. She was aware that Micah just watched her. She wanted to know what he was thinking, but she’d found another sign. “So do not fear,  for I am with you;  do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen  you and help  you; I will uphold you  with my righteous right hand.’ Isaiah 41:10. And this, ‘All who rage against you will surely be ashamed and disgraced; those who oppose you will be as nothing and perish.’”
    Micah came up to her and pulled her into his arms, squeezing her tight, his mouth buried on her cheek. “You are so beautiful.” He stroked her cheek, staring into her eyes. “I am very envious of your god. To have something so precious. I could never be good enough for you.” Tears filled his eyes. “But I would love you with all of my heart soul and breath, Sarah, I would.”
    Sarah’s heart shredded at hearing it. Hearing he thought this was something she could just negotiate. She didn’t expect him to understand but she hated to hear he thought she had the power to fix this. This was out of her hands. “ Micah?”
    “What?” He stroked her brow.
    “I need you to promise me something.”
    “Anything baby.”
    She swallowed, knowing it wasn’t fair to ask. And how hard it would be. But this wasn’t her doing, nor was it easy for her. “Help me stay strong? Please don’t…don’t let me cave. If you love me, help me stay strong. Don’t let them take my faith, Micah. I don’t blame you that I’m here, but I’m asking that you at least…honor my choice.”
    He hugged her to him tight, sobbing. “Fuck, listen to me. What comes next is hard. They start with something easy then hit with something to try and break you quickly. If you pass the next test, then you are a worthy sacrifice.” Shame and fear filled his thick voice. “But I’m going to find a way out, I can’t let them hurt you. I can’t.”
    Sarah put her fingers on his lips and nodded. “I know you will do your best.” She smiled and nodded through her tears. “No matter what happens, I know that you love me. Okay?”
    He crushed her in his embrace, his entire body heaving. “Pray to your god baby,” he gasped. “Please ask him to save you. Don’t be a martyr,” he choked out.
    “I’m praying, I promise.” But if he wanted her to be a martyr, then that’s what she’d pray for strength