The Last Genie: A Novella

Chapter 28

After Grace got ready, Ithel drove them to her church. Then, Grace went inside, and Ithel wondered around to the playground in the back, found a bench, and sat down.

Of course, it was one of those classically gorgeous day. Not too hot. Not too cold. And the sky had just a few fluffy white clouds to make it interesting.

As Ithel sat there taking in the days beauty and listening to the faint sounds of the organ coming from the church, he couldn't help but feel grateful that he was still alive.

A short while later, Grace led a small group of children out her church's back door. When she saw Ithel, she waved at him and said, "There's my friend, Ron. Now, remember if he agrees to push y'all in the swings. Travis goes first, then Abby, then Chris. And if no one else wants a turn after that, y'all can go again."

Ithel walked over to them, and Grace said, "Ron, some of the kids were wondering if you'd push them on the swing."

Ithel had never pushed anyone on a swing before, but he'd seen it done in movies and TV and was confident he could do it. So, he said, "Sure."

While Ithel pushed the kids on the swings, he watched Grace. It was the happiest he ever had seen her. She moved easily amongst the children making sure everyone was happy and safe. Then, he saw a little girl walking aimlessly by herself along the fence.

Ithel told the kids he had to take a break. Then he walked over to the girl walking by herself and "Hello."

She glanced up at him, but didn't say anything.

"Can I walk with you?"

Again, she said nothing. She didn't even nod, but she also didn't say no. So, Ithel fell in step next to her.

After they had walked a few more paces, without looking at him, she asked, "Do you have a dog?"

"Not now, but I used."

She said, "I have a dog named Mosby," as soon as Ithel finished talking. "He's white and brown and loves to lick my face."

Grace spied Ithel walking with the girl and her heart filled with so much joy it almost burst out of her chest. She smiled and realized that without a single ounce of doubt she loved him.

After church ended and all the kids had left, Grace turned to Ithel and said, "You're good with kids."

He smiled and said, "You are too."

As they walked back to their car, Grace couldn't stop her mind from wondering how Ithel got to be so good with kids. She knew he had little brothers and sisters, but could he have had children? And, if he had children, then he probably had a wife or wives. He had lived almost 1500 years, so he probably did. But, then that means he also must've lost those wives and children. How hard would it be to lose a child or your wife?

With that dispiriting thought ringing through her mind, they drove back to Claire's.