Sunlight

Sunlight filtered through the cracks around the edge of the window curtains. Christina Harris lay in bed, staring at the window, hoping that this new day would be better than the last. She heard the door open and knew that Charles had entered the room. Her body rose slightly as her husband sat on the bed at her feet. He said nothing. She altered her gaze slightly to look down at him. He too was staring at the window, no doubt hoping for the same thing.

"I won't happen, you know," she said softly.

"Yes, I know." He looked at her with a sad sort of smile, "But I can still pray for it."

She sat up. "What would they do, Charles, if they found out?"

His eyes grew wider and sadder as he turned to face the window one more time. "Let's not talk of this, Christina. It will do no good. I do not know what would happen, nor do I wish to. The less we speak of it, the less likely it is to be overheard." He stood. "You should come downstairs now. It is nearly time for lunch, and you and I both know I can't cook worth a farthing."

Christina nodded as Charles left the room. She looked back to the window, her thoughts returning to the conversation that had just ended. "But I can still pray," her voice said inside of her. She stood and walked to the window. She reached out, grasping the curtains.

She did not open them.