The Tower of the Flock, Part 8

The flight to Egypt

“Mary, love, wake up.” Joseph’s urgent whisper roused me from deep slumber. The kiss he brushed on my temple was both gentle and urgent.

Opening my eyes, I was startled by the darkness. The star that stood over our home for two nights had gone dim. But Joseph’s apologetic smile reflected the moonlight streaming onto the roof.

“You looked so peaceful. I’m sorry to wake you, but we must flee. I had a dream.” He stood and went to wake Jesus. “An angel told me to get up. He was adamant. Herod is going to search for our Child to kill Him.”

Herod is going to search for our Child to kill Him.

I flew off our pallet. “Oh, Joseph, where can we go?” How could this be happening?

Grabbing me in a fierce embrace, he stroked my hair. “We’ll be fine. God is watching over us. But the angel said we have to go now.”

“Joseph?” I nearly jumped out of my skin when the soft whisper came from the courtyard. “It’s Tobiah.” Of course. When the shepherds pastured their flocks anywhere close to Bethlehem, Tobiah slept in our courtyard, wanting to be near Jesus.

Joseph released me, picked up Jesus, and ran down the stairs. “I’m sorry we woke you, Tobiah, but–”

“I know. You have to go. I wanted to stop you before you said where you were going. It’s best if I don’t know. Everything is ready.”

I followed my husband, my head spinning. “What? What’s ready?”

“The visitors are already gone, but they left donkeys for you. I tethered them just outside. Maybe the angel who warned you let them know, too.”

Toddling over to Tobiah, Jesus held his arms out to be picked up. The boy lifted him onto his hip and leaned in for baby snuggles. My heart melted when Jesus pulled Tobiah’s head down and rubbed his cheek.

Joseph shook his head. “Do you think so?”

Tobiah shrugged like it wasn’t important. “They left you full waterskins and dried meat, parched grains, and fruit. You can put the gold in the saddlebags, and I’ll hide the frankincense and myrrh in the tower till you come back.” His breath hitched, and tears sprang to my eyes. Tobiah had become the little brother I always wanted. And this was goodbye.

Before I could blink, Joseph placed the gold and some clothes in the saddlebags and came to lift me on one of the donkeys. Placing a kiss on Tobiah’s forehead, I said, “We will see you again. Every one of you. I love you, Tobiah. Thank you for loving and guarding Jesus.”

Tobiah just bobbed his head, but the simple gesture spoke volumes. He meant, “Love you, too.”

After he seated me on the donkey, Joseph placed his hand on my swollen belly. “I’m sorry you have to do this again.”

I gave him a cocky smile, assuring him of a confidence I did not yet feel. “You know me. Always up for a new adventure.”

Joseph settled Jesus in front of him and led us toward the road. Just before we crested the hill, I turned back. Tobiah waved from the top of the tower.

We fled to Egypt and stayed there till Herod died, and the prophecy was fulfilled, “Out of Egypt, I called my son.”

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