From a Distance

Nineteen-year-old Sarah Lock is on a desperate run for safety. As she sits behind the wheel of a stolen truck and speeds away from Dallas, Texas, she knows the battle is not over. Emotionally devastated, Sarah watches helplessly as her dream of finding someone to love her despite her shame-despite the wounds of a humiliating stigma thrust upon her as a child-shatters before her eyes.

Sarah, in possession of many secrets, boards a bus and heads back toward Dallas, knowing that her personal safety is dictated by every decision. Knowing an abusive husband will soon be looking for her-and his truck-Sarah finds her way to her Aunt Gina's home, where she vainly begins to search for her purpose in the world. But as her past continues to haunt her, Sarah vows to never let romantic love enter her life again. Seeking solace and peace through the healing grace of nature, she dances in a lush meadow beside her hideaway, unaware that a young man is watching her, patiently waiting for the opportunity to change her perspective on everything.

In this poignant tale, a young woman takes a journey that leads her to the brink of surrender as fate deals another blow and sends her on a mission no one ever expected.

Vernon Bargainer holds a degree in psychology from the University of Texas. He is the author of three novels and has served in the public service as a frequent speaker and writer in human relations for thirty-eight years. He currently lives in Texas.