Did you hear?

A Chapter by Kathryn Smith

As soon as the boys were away from the village, with great care, the black haired boy pulled out a bleeding and lifeless newborn child from underneath his tunic.

Panting, deflated, and staring in bewilderment at his brother, the boy fell to his knees into the sand.

He did not cry out, but buried his face in the baby's rags.

Jacob shivered in the darkness watching the boy mourn the child helplessly.

The boy looked up into Jacobs eyes with tears rolling down his cheeks.

He sniffled, wiped his face, and forced his gaze to the stars.

Strangely a ray of hope leapt across his grieving face.

Following the boy's gaze, Jacob felt chills run up and down his little soul and gasped.

A majestic and magnificent neon star shined before them high in the sky.

Jacob knew this wasn't an ordinary star and his mind danced in delight.

Why did father bring him to this time of all times? What was he to do?

He felt flattered but so unworthy to be witnessing this history.

Jacob jumped out of his skin as a voice broke the silence. He was so wrapped up in thought he did not notice his new friend get up and stand beside him.

"Did you hear?" The shepherd boy whimpered, his voice cracking.

"Hear what?" Asked Jacob.

The boy answered.

"I didn't believe it at first."

"Believe what?" Replied Jacob feeling impatient.

The boy looked intensely into Jacob's eyes.

He lowered his voice, and cocked his head as if he'd be in trouble if anyone heard him speak.

"They say...they say that the king of all kings, the son of God has been born."

"King Herod ordered the soldiers to slay our children, my brothers and sisters....it has to be true."

The boy's voice trailed off and he began to walk away with a quickened pace.

"Wait! Wait! Where are you going??" Jacob cried, jogging after him.

Without turning the boy replied;