“No, Glynis, it is not your fault. I should have let you be. ”
“Mother. ”
“Yes, my darling. ”
“I am so hungry, Mother. ”
Those simple words were now twisted to strike fear into my very soul. “Yes, I know, my darling. That is why he brought you here. He is a monster. ”
“I hate him! I hate him! He forced me to do horrible things, Mother! I hate him for what he did to Father and May!”
“And I hate him for what he has done to you!” I held her tightly. “To us. ”
Glynis raised her head, her beautiful eyes rimmed with tears. “I am so hungry. Do you understand?”
I nodded, my lips pressed tightly together. “He has chosen you as my death. Just one more monstrosity. ”
“I am fighting so hard! I feel so weak! If it were anyone else, I know the hunger would have overwhelmed me by now. But I am fighting it!” Glynis pulled away from me and wrapped her arms around herself. She walked to the far side of the cell and slid down into the corner.
I clasped my hands tightly together and whispered fervent prayers.
And here I now sit, writing in my little journal, my rosary glowing in my hand. I watch her writhe and sob in the corner.
I will ask of her one thing before she takes my life. Just one thing.
I know now this is my end. I will die now. Tonight. At my daughter’s hand.
May God have mercy on us both.
The Journal of Lady Glynis Wright
I read my mother’s letters and journal in the aftermath of the horror that transpired in her cell. I read them and wept.
For as I huddled in that corner of her cell, trembling, fighting, trying to win against the hunger, I knew I would feed. I knew her death would be upon my lost soul, and I cried with rage.
How serenely she sat on the floor, writing in her journal, her rosary glowing in her hand. Somehow I knew that her faith made the tiny cross glow with divine power. I could feel it pressing me away from her.
And I hungered. . . how I hungered.
My mother’s eyes lifted to gaze upon me. “Glynis, promise me one thing. ”
I nodded my head. “Anything you ask. ”
“Fight him. Escape this place! Do what you must to escape! Please, cara mia, I can die in peace if I know you will find a way from this place. That you will fight him and be free!”
I nodded, whimpering as the hunger tore at me. I could hear her heart beating, summoning me to feed. “I swear it. I will escape! I will!”
She forced a smile and laid her journal aside. Calmly, she dug a little hole in the dirt, filth and straw that littered the floor. She genuflected, and I had to look away for my eyes burned as for a moment her body flashed beautifully white. She kissed the rosary tenderly, laid it in the hole, and covered it.
“Mother,” I whispered.
Calmly, she stood up, brushing her skirts with her hands. Gently, she tucked her hair back from her face and neck, turning to gaze fully upon me.
“I can die now, in peace, my darling one. ”
“Mother, I cannot!”
Without her cross, I felt released to move toward her, to take hold of her, but I fought that desire.