Free Before the Fall by L.G. Castillo

filled her womb.
    When it was over, she collapsed, gasping for air as her tear-stained cheek pressed against the smooth stone floor. “Raphael, why have you forsaken me?”
    And then, the darkness took her.

8
    R aphael stood on top of a hill laughing as he watched Jeremiel chase after one of the goats. His hair was wet from his first swim in the stream. Although he had enjoyed fishing, it appeared that his son was a natural when it came to swimming.
    Jeremiel lunged at the goat, landing hard on the dirt when the goat moved at the last moment.
    Raphael chuckled. His son might be gifted with superior sight, hearing, and strength, but when it came to cleanliness, he was just like any other four-year-old boy.
    “Stand still. You’re supposed to obey me,” Jeremiel said to the goat. “Father, why doesn’t she listen to me?”
    “Try being gentle with her.”
    “But she should listen to me.”
    “Why do you say that?”
    “Because I am stronger than her.” He furrowed his brow. “Uncle Lucifer says that the strong should rule the weak and that they should obey.”
    Raphael scowled. He had heard Lucifer spout his prejudices and ridiculous jealousy about humans before. There wasn’t an angel he knew that didn’t have some type of fault. Angels were not perfect.
    This time Lucifer had gone too far. He did not want his son tainted with Lucifer’s views.
    He smoothed his face and sank to his knees. Holding Jeremiel’s shoulders, he looked him straight in the eye. “My son, it is true you have gifts that others do not. This does not mean you are superior to others because of it.”
    “Uncle Lucifer said—”
    “He is wrong. We all have special gifts of some sort. That is what makes each and every one of us special.”
    Jeremiel scrunched his face deep in thought. He looked over at the goat. “She can’t be special. She’s just a goat.”
    “Can you give milk?”
    “What?”
    “The goat gives milk. That is her gift. It satisfies our thirst and gives us sustenance. Can you do that?”
    Jeremiel’s blue eyes looked up as he thought for moment. Then he said, “Yes, I can. I can milk the goat and bring the milk to you.” He grinned.
    “But can you do that without her?”
    “No.”
    “Then you need her.”
    Jeremiel looked over at the goat again. “Oh, I see. I need her as much as she needs me.”
    “That is correct. Each of us brings something to this life, and all deserve respect. Now, my son, the time has come that I must explain something to you.”
    “What is it, Father?”
    “Your mother and I have kept you away from other children, but now that you are older, you will want to be around others your own age. When you are, you will see that others around you may not have the same strength as you do.”
    “They don’t?”
    “No, they do not. Remember what I said, they are equal to you in every way and you must treat them with respect and kindness.”
    Raphael patted the goat’s head tenderly and slowly placed the lasso over her head.
    “See. Kindness.” He placed the end of the rope in Jeremiel’s hand.
    “Yes, Father.”
    “Come now, the sun is setting and you need to milk her before supper.”
    ***
    T he moment Raphael stepped into the house he knew something was wrong.
    “Mother! Mother!” Jeremiel cried as he flung himself into Rebecca’s arms. “Guess what I got?”
    Rebecca always had a twinkle in her eye whenever she was with Jeremiel. When she gave him a hug and glanced up to look at him, her hazel eyes looked hollow.
    “What did you get?” her voice sounded flat, lifeless.
    Jeremiel pulled out a fish from the basket he was carrying. “I caught it all by myself. I want this one for supper.”
    “I am so proud of you.” She hugged him and took the fish from his hand.
    “There is more where that came from.” Raphael held out his basket filled with fish, and stepped toward her. Her eyes widened with fright.
    “Rebecca? What is the matter?”
    “I . . . uh...” her hand shook as