A TANGLE OF LIGHT 

By Tessa Harvey


    Elsie looked around at the neat, welcoming lounge room. The decor was simple, but welcoming. Cream walls and powder pink ruffled drapes adorned the windows. Despite the encroaching rain, light streamed in and shone on a beautiful floral antique sofa. There were deep blue lounge armchairs and matching three-seater settee. They looked well used, but comfortable.
    Despite the lady's outburst, Elsie felt at peace. She had a little money squirrelled away in a secure deposit account under her mother's maiden name. She felt suddenly bruised, old and tired and, not waiting to be asked, sank down in the armchair nearest the window, closing her eyes.
    Just a rest, she thought. I don't need to stay. Just a rest.... In seconds Elsie was deeply asleep, the tension and trauma of the last year, the physical and mental abuse overwhelmed this battered precious child of God. Her last coherent thought was why is there so much discord and brokenness in families, in the world.... Is there a ray, a way, a hope to hold on to?

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