Midwives of Moses by Jenifer Jennings

Author:Jenifer Jennings [Jennings, Jenifer]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 978-1-954105-01-0
Publisher: Peacock Press

Chapter 12

“Ye shall no more give the people straw to make brick, as heretofore: let them go and gather straw for themselves.” -EXODUS 5:7

* * *

Puah watched the pregnant woman take another lap around the small courtyard. She had been called to the home which lay on the fringes of the city of Pithom. Though the older midwife tried to stay close to her home city of Avaris in her advancing age, this couple reached out to her with their pleas for her expertise.

Nothing had given any indications of expecting issues during the few exams and check-ins she had performed over the last few months. But if there was one thing she always trusted, it was a woman’s instincts.

“Do I have to keep walking?” Keziah panted. “I’m getting tired.”

“I know, but it will help.”

The woman’s small feet shuffled in the sand to a slow pace. “My husband will be home soon.”

Eliora looked to the open sky that was growing darker. “That means he’ll be here to hold his baby.”

“With any fortune,” Layla added.

“Get some lamps ready,” the mentor instructed her students. “I’m afraid this will be a long night.”

The two rose from their place on the stone wall and entered the main room.

“There is some extra oil upstairs,” Keziah called to them.

Eliora scampered up the ladder and returned with a few vessels.

“I remember when I could move that quickly.” The pregnant woman rubbed her midsection. “Now, I feel like a river horse.”

Puah chuckled. “You will once again leap around like a wild antelope.” She stretched her aching back. “Unlike some of us whose time and stamina grow short.”

“Greetings,” a male voice called from the open gate. “I didn’t know we were expecting guests.”

“Husband.” Keziah embraced the man. “These are the midwives I sent for. May I introduce Puah, Eliora, and Layla.” She waved to the women. “This is my husband, Avram.”

“Your wife has been a most gracious hostess,” Eliora complimented.

“Am I to understand the reason for your visit is our child?”

“Yes,” Puah agreed. “Your wife called for us a few hours ago when her pains began. I’m afraid she is progressing rather slow.”

“I’m doing my best,” the pregnant woman protested.

“It’s not your fault,” the midwife comforted. “It is common, especially with first births. The walking will help.” She made a circle in the air with her finger.

“Guess I need to get back to it.” The woman shrugged and walked the length of the open area again.

“Pardon me,” Avram said. “I’m going to go wash up.”

“There is some food in the kitchen if you’re hungry,” his wife called.

“Famished.” He smiled a weary smile at her.

Puah watched the man walk to the washing bowl and use a rag to apply cool water to his skin. He wore a short skirt common to Egyptian men with nothing to cover his chest. His body was coated in dust mixed with sweat. As he washed the sand away, his dark olive complexion shone through. She could see long scars on his back that were in the latter stages of healing.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.