Ava Dickens

My story is non-fiction and tells of the kidnapping of my children. This excerpt takes place partway through my story. Not understanding at the time that I was dealing with the same judicial circuit that tried to cover up Ahmaud Arbery's murder (even the same DA), I struggled to make sense of the injustice that had been heaped upon my little family. I fall upon my Bible with all the anger and desperation I can muster. I yank out page after page after page. Then, still not satisfied, I tear them into ever smaller pieces, reducing Genesis to mere confetti. The miracles of Moses flit among the marsh grasses, merging with the Gospel of Luke and the Wisdom of Solomon. Finally, with my strength depleted, I rise from the ground and walk away, leaving the remains of my beloved book beneath the mossy oaks of Paradise Island. I’m heartbroken, exhausted and breathless from the sobs that wrack my body. It seems a horrible irony that my moment of anguish takes place against the backdrop of such serene beauty. The birds continue to sing while the sun warms the tears dripping from my chin. I look to the sky, annoyed. No matter how fervently I pray and plead, I can not force God’s hand to return my children to me. Nearly two years have gone by, and I just can’t shake the feeling that I’ve been betrayed me in the worst possible way. So I express my anger the only way I know how. By ripping up those biblical promises that are apparently meant for other people. And if God had been standing in front of me, I’d have taken a swing at Him. I slink to the car defeated. God didn’t care about me. I had begged Him to protect us. To give us justice and keep to us safe. I flop into the driver’s seat and pull away from Paradise Island. But when I reach the stop sign, instead of turning toward home, I make a U-turn. I can’t leave my Bible lying in the dirt. Even though I had no intention of ever returning for it, I just can’t bear the thought of going through with it. Its almost as though I love God in spite of myself. I tromp back across the marsh and tenderly collect every single scrap of paper. Once I have gathered all the pieces, I place them in a small box and lay them in the backseat of the car. Now I’m doubly defeated. Once by the circumstances that led me there, and defeated a second time by my love for the One who has allowed it. My faith tauntes me. But where else can I go? He is my God. And I can't separate myself from the Spirit no more than I can part ways with my own soul.

1. Story Statement When Michelle is arrested for kidnapping her children, she must prove her innocence in a small town judicial system known for corruption and backdoor dealings. 2. Antagonist Sketch Driven by a cruel desire to dominate, Jeremy must punish Michelle for daring to defy him. Her freedom is an affront to his ego, forcing him to do whatever it takes to weaken her in order to maintain the status quo. Step-by-step, he begins laying the traps, gleefully disregarding the collateral damage he causes not only to strangers, but even to his own family. 3. Breakout Title Water Bright As Day - (First Choice) Voice Of Many Waters- (Second Choice) 4. Genre and Comparables Haunted by constant poverty while residing in a lovely coastal city, my story has similarities to both Where the Crawdads Sing By Delia Owens as well as The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls. 5. Hook line When Michelle finally musters up the gumption to flee an abusive marriage, she begins to build a new life for herself and her children. But what she doesn’t realize is that her accomplishments are being systematically dismantled at each and every turn. Her progress is thwarted and a trap is laid that will eventually land her in jail. 6. Inner Conflict Pt 1 What must she do to make herself holy enough for God to answer her prayers and give her justice in the court system? If she fails at holiness, will she ever be reunited with her children? Inner Conflict Pt 2 (secondary conflict) His stalking had invaded every part of her life. From her place of employment, to her doctor’s office, to the children’s school, her church leaders, her Sunday school class, her landlord, her friends, etc. People began to distance themselves from her. And after a while, she no longer knew who trusted her or who had become infected with his lies. 7. Setting The sun gives us every drop of her light. It begins the moment she peeks over the marsh. As she heaves herself higher above the horizon, the grass is illuminated, yard by yard, changing from the pre-dawn brunette to a vibrant neon green. The waters turn to fire and flicker between the blades. On a low tide, the marsh grasses temper the fiery waters. But when the tide is high, the tributaries and creeks burn like smoldering lava. On a high tide, the sun sees her glory. For the water is bright as day.