I'll Be the Light

Chapter 23

*Two Years Later*

I got better over time. Schylar came over a lot and forced me out of the house, trying to get me to interact with people. Annie and Colton went on many dates after their first and continued the fall. I could see it in their eyes, they were in love. I truly was happy for them now. I could actually stand in the same room as Colton as well.

It took a while to get better. Three months I think? I got over my jealousy and sadness, and I began to talk to him again. His words still swirl through my mind, "I'll always be the light. Don't ever forget that Genna." I can't seem to forget those words, and I don't want to.

I remember the day after their first date. It was Sunday and Pastor Wren had asked me to say something that day. I declined, thank goodness he had a back up plan. That week Schylar took me back to the hospital, to visit the kids. I enjoyed it, I got to see all the little kids that I visited while I was a resident in here.

I was curious about something. I wondered what they wanted to be in Heaven. Just to give them something to be happy about in their sad lives. I spoke with a girl named Abigail, who had had cancer for three years now. She had the most beautiful smile when I asked her what she wanted to be in Heaven.

"A star!" She had grinned.

"A star? Why?" I asked. Usually you got a Guardian Angel.

"So I can't look down from Heaven and see my family and friends! I want to shine bright for them too! So when they miss me, they can look up and see me and smile," She said, happiness glowed in her heart. I told her that that sounds like a great idea. We chatted some more and she told me about how she didn't like it when her mom and dad cried.

"I know I'm going to Heaven. I don't think they do," she had said, concern etched into her young face. She was thirteen.

"They will one day. All you have to do is pray for them to learn that," I advised.

"Thank you Genna. Can I pray for you?" She politely asked.

"Why would you pray for me?"

"I can see the sadness in your eyes. Something bad happened to you, but you're such a good person! I think God is also telling me to. He's whispering to me that you've been through so much, and that's why you have such a beautiful smile. It's a smile that has seen a lot of fights, scars, and sadness. He says that that's also why you're here, to make other people happy. He says some of the saddest people have the prettiest smiles, and that they try their hardest to make other people happy. Because they know what it feels like to be at their lowest and feel like nothing," she explained. Tears stung my eyes and I hugged her. I cried into her shoulder, strange because I should be the one comforting her.

"Genna I may not have known you long, but I feel like you need to hear this. I love you Genna, and He is working in you," she whispered in my ear. I cried more after that. Soon my sobs turned into whimpers and I pulled away from her, wiping my eyes.

I smiled and left after saying thanks. I went home, pondering that. A star, huh? Well I hope that she gets her wish. Schylar looked at my red, puffy eyes, but didn't question it. I think she thought that this did me some good, and she wasn't wrong. I felt better now. God was still with me, and I felt happy. I knew what I wanted to say at church on Sunday.

Sunday quickly rolled around and I took my place at the podium, smiling at the crowd of neighbors and friends. I waved at the happy Colton and Annie, who couldn't look away from one another for a second. Their hearts were brimming with love for each other, and they clasped each other's hands tightly. The shiny diamond ring caught my attention again and I smiled.