(The Tunic is a fictional story based on the Passion of Jesus. The story began on post March 18, 2019.)
As Cato rode home he had a million thoughts competing for his attention. He had already requested three days off from his superior officer. The officer was reluctant at first, but Cato pleaded his son was in need of healing. It wasn't the first time he had made this plea. Everyone knew Cato's son had been in a fire. Cato, however, never told any of his fellow soldiers that Remus had already been healed-- healed by Jesus.
Cato had stopped at their home in Jerusalem. He left his soldier's uniform behind and changed into a garment he had bought from a Jewish man at the market. For a moment he wondered if he was making the right decision. It was crazy to think he would place his life and those that he loved most in danger. It was even crazier to think that he had so much trust in a God he barely knew.
Cato pushed his doubts aside as he wrapped up some blankets. He wanted to give the impression that he was carrying his son in these as he rode away. He didn't think anyone was watching him, but he didn't want to take any chances. He began to ride in the opposite direction of Livia and Remus and circled back when he was far away. He had been accustomed to taking a different path to them every time. Their safety always weighted heavily on his mind. Cato wasn't exactly sure how to pray to Jesus. He wasn't sure if it was the same as the Roman gods, but he begged Jesus to keep Livia and Remus safe. Over and over he prayed, "Please, Jesus, punish only me. My sins are many, but please let them live. Do not punish them for my sins."
As Cato got close to the house, he noticed a group of people gathered outside. His heart started racing. "How did they find Livia and Remus already? I had been so careful." Instinctively , he grabbed for his sword. He would do whatever was necessary for his family. Again Cato prayed, "Please Jesus, punish only me. Let my family live!"
When he was almost upon the crowd, Cato drew his sword. He was ready for a fight!
Livia's eyes grew wide as Cato got close. "Cato! N0! NO! We're safe! We're safe!" She turned to Mary, Martha, and Lazarus, "Go inside quick! He doesn't know who you are!" The three of them ran quickly inside before Cato had dismounted. Livia ran towards Cato, "Cato, please put your sword away! We aren't in danger! They are friends. Mary and Martha are my friends. Lazarus is their brother."
Cato quickly assessed the situation digesting Livia's words. Friends. Safe. No danger. Cato looked around. Remus was standing next to Livia. Both were fine. Cato cautiously put his sword back into its sheath. He reached his arms out to Livia, "You're ok?"
"Yes, Cato. We were just talking. We are not in danger."
Cato let out a big sigh of relief as he engulfed both Livia and Remus into his arms. "I was so worried. I thought...."
"It's ok. We're ok." The three just stood there holding each other for a few minutes. "Cato, I want you to meet Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. They are good people, Cato. They won't hurt us. Although I'm sure you gave them a pretty good scare." Livia raised her eyebrows and threw Cato a smile and squeezed his hand. "Come on, let me introduce you...we have something interesting to discuss with you."
"Come on, Papa, you will like them. They are very nice!"
Cato let out another deep sigh. "Are you absolutely sure they are not enemies Livia?"
"I am absolutely sure they will not hurt us," declared Livia. "You know I would never put Remus in harms way." Livia was about to head towards the house when she changed her mind. "Cato is everything okay for us to leave? Is there anything I should know?"
Cato looked around before answering in a very soft voice. "Yes. We will leave today before anyone is aware of what we have planned."
Livia lowered her voice as well, "Do you have a definite plan for us?"
"I don't have definite plans. I have bought us some time. We have at least three days before they will come looking for us. We should be able to put some good distance between us and them. We will have to find a good places to hide along the way. I promise I will keep you both safe. I will do whatever I have to do. I want to leave as soon as possible. Can we just ask these people to leave?"
Livia hesitated for a second. "We could ask them to leave, Cato, but could you at least come meet them first. There's something I want you to hear."
(to be continued...)
-Susan
