Are You Afraid Of The Dark   ::   Sheldon Sidney

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THE NEXT FEW weeks went by in a delicious series of dates. At the end of three weeks, Henry said, "I love you, Lois. I want you to be my wife." Words she thought she would never hear. She put her arms around him and said, "I love you, too, Henry. I want to be your wife."

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THE WEDDING TOOK place in Henry's father's church five days later. Gary and a few friends were there, and it was a beautiful ceremony, officiated by Henry's father. Lois had never been so happy.

"Where are you two going to honeymoon?" Reverend Lawson asked.

"Lake Louise," Henry said. "It's very romantic." "That's perfect for a honeymoon." Henry put his arms around Lois. "I expect every day to be a honeymoon for the rest of our lives." Lois was ecstatic.

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IMMEDIATELYAFTER THE wedding, they left for Lake Louise. It was a spectacular oasis in Banff National Park, in the heart of the Canadian Rockies.

They arrived in the late afternoon with the sun sparkling over the lake.

Henry took Lois in his arms. "Are you hungry?" She looked into his eyes and smiled. "No." "Neither am I. Why don't we get undressed?" "Oh, yes, darling." Two minutes later, they were in bed and Henry was making exquisite love to her.

It was wonderful. Exhausting. Exhilarating.

"Oh, darling, I love you so much." "I love you, too, Lois," Henry said. He stood up. "Now we must fight carnal sin." Lois looked at him, confused. "What?" "Get on your knees." She laughed. "Aren't you tired, darling?" "Get on your knees." She smiled. "All right." She got on her knees and watched, puzzled, as Henry took a large belt from his trousers. He walked up to her, and before she realized what was happening, he smashed the belt hard against her naked buttocks.

Lois screamed and started to get up. "What are you-?" He shoved her down. "I told you, darling. We must fight carnal sin." He raised the belt and struck her again.

"Stop it! Stop it!" "Stay there." His voice was filled with fervor.

Lois fought to get up, but Henry held her down with one strong hand and slammed the belt against her again.

Lois felt as though her backside had been flayed. "Henry! My God! Stop it!" Finally Henry stood up and took a deep, quivery breath. "It's all right now." It was difficult for Lois to move. She could feel the open sores oozing. She painfully managed to get to her feet. She couldn't speak. She could only stare in horror at her husband.

"Sex is sinful. We must fight temptation." She shook her head, still speechless, still not believing what had just happened.