SCARLETT. fear street (1994, 1978, 1666 )

six. the hanging tree

A few days ago, she did not understand why Sarah Fier chose to lie instead of telling them the truth, but now, she knew.

Sarah Fier taught bee all about real sacrifice. That it should be done from love... That it should be done from necessity, not without exhausting all other options. That it should be done for people who need your strength because they don't have enough of their own.

It was because of love.

Only once in her life, she had found someone who completely turned her world around. Natsuko told him things that she'd never shared with another soul and he absorbed everything she said and actually wanted to hear more. Natsuko shared hopes for the future, dreams that will never come true, goals that were never achieved and the many disappointments life has thrown at her.

Never did Isaac hurt her feelings or make her feel like she was not good enough, but rather he built her up and showed her the things about herself that made her even more special and even beautiful.

There was never any pressure, jealousy or competition but only a quiet calmness when he was around. For the first time, Natsuko could be herself and not worry about what he would think of her because he loves her for who she was.

Colours seem brighter and more brilliant. Laughter seems part of daily life where before it was infrequent or didn't exist at all. A secret kiss or two during the day helps to get herself through a long day's work and always brings a smile to her face. In his presence, there's no need for continuous conversation, but she finds him quite content in just having him nearby.

Natsuko opened her heart to him knowing that there's a chance it may be broken one day and in opening her heart, she experienced a love and joy that she never dreamed possible.

For the first time, she found that being vulnerable is the only way to allow her heart to feel true pleasure that's so real it scares her. Through Isaac, she finds strength in knowing she has a true friend and possibly a soul mate who will remain loyal to the end.

With Isaac, life seemed completely different, exciting and worthwhile.

And for the first time, someone had loved her for herself.

True love is selfless. It is prepared to sacrifice.

"Good people of the Union..." her voice was breaking, teardrops and sweat prickling down her faces as she looked at them. "I am come hither to die, according to law, for by the law I am judged to die, and therefore I will speak nothing against it and choose to confess my sins."

"No!" Isaac was attempting to break out of his chains as he went hysterical. "Stop it! She's lying! Don't listen to her!"

"Silence him!" Solomon Goode yelled, pointing at the struggling boy. Isaac was sobbing so hard that his throat was starting to hurt, but he did not care.

"Stop it!" Isaac sobbed, thrashing against Elijah as the man grabbed his shoulders. "Natsuko, stop it!"

"I seduced this man— I danced down the perfumed path to Death;  headed straight for Hell and attempting to take this good man with me." Natsuko turned around gently, watching the sobbing boy shook his head uncontrollably.

"I forced him to lay with me..."

Isaac starts kissing her, his lips trailing over her neck. And he doesn't stop even when he feels her hands wrap around him, fingers entwined in his hair, or when he hears her groan loudly.

"I love you," Natsuko whispers, but she pulls him in closer, giving him the opportunity to kiss her again. He kisses her at the back of her neck, then returns to kiss her in the front, gradually working his way up to her collarbone.