As the Black Plague swept England, thousands of families were directly impacted by the disease. Devin and his family struggle through the consequences of the plague, in hopes that their family will remain intact and secure.
"Don't look at them, Devin. Don't make eye contact, keep your hands in your pockets. Alysa, hold my hand tight." Mother, son, and daughter stepped carefully down the center of the smoggy road, lined on either side by people draped in once-decent clothes now reduced to rags, torn beyond repair. Open sores were visible on any exposed skin, and everyone was gaunt.
Devin's stiff collar cracked as he tiled his head ever so slightly to the side, His grey eyes roamed the side of the street, and rested momentarily on a child staring
…show more content…
The priest's expression changed for a moment, and he scrutinized Devin before asking, "Devin?"
Devin shuffled his well-worn shoes in the dirt and remained silent.
The priest grunted. "Well, despite the unfortunate circumstances, I'm afraid you can't stay here. I'm sorry."
"Could I ask a favor, sir? Could I have a bell?" Devin slowly asked as the Priest turned to walk away.
"A Bell? Well... I suppose the choir could spare an extra piece. Wait here."
A few minutes later, Devin walked triumphantly away with a tiny bell clutched tightly in his disfigured hand, and a nagging idea that refused to be ignored.
Next Sunday, as the great church bell rang loud and powerful for the healthy, a smaller tinkling in a nearly ally would be heard for the sick. As dozens of choir boys lifted their clear voices in a chorus of thanksgiving, a filthy boy covered in sores with a constantly cracking voice would shyly stand on an old wooden box, and lift his anthem of hope to heaven. As stiffly dressed church members sat in hard wooden pews, listening to a priest drone on, hundreds of sick would lift their voices and hands to heaven in