A CAST OF PAIN (Closed For Editing)

Chapter Thirty Three

"David stared into nothingness for what felt like an eternity, his gaze haunted by an effect he couldn't describe on him. He looked around for a long time, as if he had an epiphany, but saw everyone busy with one thing or another.

'Okay, someone's messing with my head,' he mumbled to himself before standing up. Before standing up, he mumbled to himself, ' to clear his head.

The house was rowdy when he walked in, and he found himself realizing that the noise would do it. " I might hear him again," he thought. In other words, he needed a distraction, and he knew exactly where to get it.

***

In the quiet stillness, Kore let her fingers dance across the guitar strings, weaving the melody of Paul Wilbur's "Let the weight of your glory." It was more than music; it was a connection to the heavens, a moment with her Father. Without words or lyrics, she let His peace wash over her.

When the final note hung in the air, Kore sighed, a mix of release and gratitude, and a smile played on her lips. "Thank you, Jesus."

A voice, unexpectedly breaking the quietude, spoke from behind her, "That was nice.

"Her body tensed momentarily before she turned, seeking the source of the interruption.

"Hi!" Lawrence greeted, raising his palm momentarily at her.

Her initial surprise softened into a warm smile. "You're not interrupting anything; I'm done, by the way."

"Sure?" Lawrence questioned.

"Yeah," Kore affirmed.

A moment of silence lingered as Lawrence made himself comfortable easing himself beside her.
"When you said you loved music," Lawrence began, now comfortably seated, "I didn't know it was literal. You play nicely."

Kore chuckled, "I do, yes."

"That was beautiful what you did back there. The whole atmosphere was purified," he commented, his hand lightly resting on his chest.

"Thank you," Kore responded with a nod.

Silence lingered briefly, allowing the echoes of the earlier melody to dissipate

"So, tell me," Lawrence continued, leaning back in his chair, "what other talents do you have hidden away?"

Kore chuckled, "Well, aside from playing the guitar, I'm a decent cook." She stopped.

"Don't stop, I'm listening. " He pushed further, his eyes twinkling with interest.

She chuckled. " "I've got some moves on the dance floor and a voice for singing."

Lawrence raised an eyebrow, intrigued.
Wow, there was a sense of awe in his voice as he looked at her. "Really? You're a woman of many talents." Kore laughed, the easy banter flowing between them.

"What about you? Any hidden talents up your sleeve?"

Lawrence grinned, "Well, I can juggle three oranges without dropping them, how's that for a talent ?"

Kore burst into laughter. "Impressive! Maybe we should incorporate that into our Christmas party entertainment."

Lawrence smirked, "Who knows, maybe I'll give a special performance."

Again, Kore laughed a while before a comfortable silence settled between them.

"You know," Lawrence said, a playful glint in his eyes, "we should organize a Christmas karaoke session. I'm sure your musical talents would shine even brighter."