Free The Forbidden Promise by Helena Rose

rumor that was whispered in Tampico. And
the strangest thing was how the rumors spread like wild fire.
"I think the Mother Superior is expecting me , where is she, in her study?"  Asked
Aurora changing the subject.
“Yes, I'll take you there,“ offered Mother Consuelo.
     "Thank you, but I know the way, don’t worry," replied
Aurora as she quickened her pace and outpaced the nun, who annoyed returned to
the guardhouse. Mother Consuelo had hoped to overhear some of the conversation
between Aurora and the Mother Superior. Some interesting news that would have
occupied her mind during the boring duty at the convent’s gate and would have
given her the opportunity to exchange a few words with the visitors.
The Mother Superior greeted Aurora warmly, "Welcome my child, Father
Julian has spoken to me of your wish to help treat the unfortunate people that
come to our convent. This is very commendable and only God knows how much we
need help. If it weren’t for the occasional visit from your father, we would
have to rely only on poor Dr. Peron." Said Mother Superior tightening her
lips with disappointment. Aurora knew Dr. Peron’s name. He was a doctor, who
had fallen out of favor due to alcohol problems. He was trying to rehabilitate himself
while working in the shelter of the convent.
    “Although I must confess that I don’t think it’s appropriate for
a woman who knows so little of the world." Resumed the Mother Superior.
    “I don’t understand you, Mother."
    “How can you provide care to men when you are a woman and aren’t
even married? How can you help women give birth to their children when you
don’t have any?"
    Aurora stood up from her chair in a shot. "I'm certainly
not the first woman who wants to follow this profession and I hope not to be
the last! A few years ago Matilde Montoya, despite the smear campaign
perpetrated by her male colleagues and the enormous difficulties encountered in
her path, graduated from the school " Nacional de medicina " due
to the direct intervention of our President Diaz and she has subsequently
proved to be an excellent physician.
    Like Matilda, I too have studied. I'm a doctor. I've already
taken care of men and witnessed several difficult births. None of this scares
me and I won’t be swept aside due to the mere fact of being a woman. I’m as
good as any man!"
    The Mother Superior made a quick sign of the cross and answered.
“Sins of a lack of humility and stubbornness, my child, be sure to talk about
them to your confessor. However, Father Julian gave you permission and I must
obey his will. I just hope we don’t regret it. You can go. Do you know where
the infirmary is?"
    “Yes, Mother. Thank you." Replied Aurora as she gave a
quick bow and left.
    The interview with the Mother Superior had greatly demoralized
Aurora . I can’t understand why women are the strongest opponents to those of
us who want to lead a life different from the one that society dictates. How
much talent is wasted? How many women have to settle for living their lives in
the shadows of mediocre and dull husbands, without ever being able to make a
real contribution with their work to the benefit of everybody?
    I hope that one day women will be able to
free themselves from the simple roles of wives and mothers.
    “Strength and courage Aurora, don’t be downhearted, show them
what you're worth," she muttered to herself, and with a sigh she entered
the infirmary.
    A strong smell of disinfectant assaulted Aurora’s nostrils,
which was not annoying but rather familiar. Soft voices and moans of suffering
rose from the makeshift beds that were against the walls and from a group of
people who were waiting, the strongest standing, others sitting on the ground.
    She was used to seeing pain, but what struck her was the poverty
and squalor of these poor folks and the despair in their eyes.
    Only the unfortunate come here, those who
can’t afford to pay for care and must rely on the mercy of the sisters.