writing_shadows

Amazing grace,
How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me...

Rose was alone in her room, curled up in a ball in the bed. She loved and hated being alone, all at once, and at her darkest times always managed to find herself that way. She hummed the hymn to herself, so softly even she could barely hear it - but she could feel it.

Sam was dead. She kept saying it to herself, and she believed it, but...the words just echoed inside her, rattled around like her insides were empty of anything except the knowledge that she was lost now.

I once was lost, but now I'm found.
Was blind, but now I see.

It seemed impossible, a world without Satrap Sam. How would Free society survive? Who would do what he did? Who would take care of them?

T'was Grace that taught
My heart to fear.
And Grace my fears relieved.

She was afraid. She felt like a child who suddenly had to grow up, for the sake of the other children. The thought comforted her, and she stretched out a little, turning toward the gray light coming in the window.

How precious did that Grace appear
The hour I first believed.

It was Spring now, she had to remember. Spring was here. She could grieve, she could mourn, but she also had to remember that she represented Him, like Sam had represented Him. Sam had given people hope and joy, had done what he could to inspire them and help them fulfil their desires. Sam had been been better at all that than she was, but he - and Spring - would want her to try and do that now. She was paragon. Surely she could do that much. She had to.

Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease,
I shall possess within the veil
A life of joy and peace.

Sam was safe now. If she was good, she would see him in heaven, along with Witte and Stitches. Someday she would be with her family again.

Rose sniffled a bit, took a deep breath and smiled determinedly. Today, for the people who couldn't anymore, she would live.