A Mother's Plight and Faith

Like a bolt, the sad news arrived - sent by her delinquent son who had deserted home. Her mother was concerned, nervous and afraid; her fear couldn't be allayed. Reasons refused, but she herself found a way: remembered the soothsayer she knew, changed her clothes, rushed to him - fear lingering, weak and shaky, her sight blurred, seeing nothing but the way. The soothsayer performed the prayer, invoking the deity, told of the spirit dwelling in her son - but there was still a way. He prescribed a ritual to ward off the spirit next day at his home without fail. She took a long breath, somewhat relaxed, paid the soithsayer his fee. Now better, she resumed her household chores.