The Girl Who Fell In Love With A TikToker - The Benji Krol Story

Chapter 13: Benji's Crossroad

{Hours after they landed in Italy}

     Benji's emotions were a turbulent storm as Nils drove rapidly through the streets while Benji and Nic looked for any sign of Ruth and Dimitri.  His heart was pounding, each beat echoing his desperation to find Ruth.  The streets of Rome blurred past them, a mix of ancient history and modern life that seemed indifferent to his plight.  "We were so close," Benji muttered, his frustration boiling over.  "How could we let her slip through our fingers again?"  Nic, seated beside him, placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder.  "We'll find her, Benji.  We just have to keep going."  Nils, in the driver's seat, kept his eyes on the road but glanced back at Benji through the rearview mirror.  "We'll figure out our next move.  There has to be a lead somewhere that'll help us find her again."  Benji smiled at his comrades.  They were going to stand by him no matter what happened.  Benji felt he had failed to help Ruth, but he felt happy to have his friends with him to help get Ruth back.

     The trio spent the next few hours scouring Rome, checking every possible lead, and speaking to every contact they had.  They visited markets, hotels, and even shadowy back alleys, hoping for a clue that would point them in Ruth's direction.  Each one a dead end, which only deepened Benji's sense of helplessness.  The hours faded into days and the days seemed to drag out to Benji.  The longer he was apart from Ruth, the more he longed to see her face again.  One evening, after another whole day of fruitless searching, Benji found himself wandering the streets alone.  Nic and Nils had gone back to their temporary lodging to regroup with the local police and plan their next steps.  Benji, lost in his thoughts, walked aimlessly until he stumbled upon a small, ancient church nestled between two larger buildings.  He had become so weary in his search for Ruth, but he couldn't find peace or rest anywhere it seemed.  Its doors were open, a warm light spilling out into the cool night air.  Drawn in by an inexplicable urge and nudge, Benji entered the church.  The tranquility of the place contrasted sharply with the chaos in his heart.  He walked down the aisle, his footsteps echoing softly against the stone floor, and sat down in a pew near the front.  While he sat there, he looked at the stain glass window with Jesus painted on it so delicately.  He looked at Jesus' face, bowed his head, unsure of what he was doing here and of what to do next.  He had so much hurt from his past that it became overwhelming.

     The longer he sat there, his mind began to quiet, and he felt a wave of emotion wash over him.  Desperation, fear, and a deep sense of loss mingled with a flicker of hope.  He bowed his head again, feeling tears welling up in his eyes.  "I don't know if you can hear me, God," Benji whispered, his voice trembling.  "I don't even know if I believe in you.  But Ruth does.  She believes with all her heart.  If you can hear, please help me find her.  Give me the strength to keep going."  As Benji prayed, he felt a presence beside him.  An elderly priest, with kind eyes and a gentle smile, had approached quietly.  "May I sit with you, my son?" the priest asked softly.  Benji nodded, wiping his eyes.  "Please."  The priest sat down and looked at Benji with understanding.  "You seem troubled.  My son, what burdens you?"  Benji replied, "That's a long story, Father."   "I'm here to listen and He is listening," the priest said with a small smile.  Benji took a deep breath and told the priest everything—about Ruth, the kidnapping, their desperate search, and his own feelings of helplessness.  The priest listened patiently, never interrupting, and when Benji finished, he placed a comforting hand on Benji's shoulder.  "My son, faith is a powerful thing," the priest said.  "It can move mountains and give us strength when we feel we have none.  Ruth's faith has brought you here, and perhaps it's time for you to find your own."  "I want to believe," Benji said, his voice barely above a whisper.  "But I don't know how."  The priest smiled gently. "Faith is a journey, not a destination.  It starts with a single step—a single prayer.  You've already taken that step, and by coming here tonight you have taken your second step to finding the peace that passes all understanding."  Benji nodded, feeling a glimmer of hope.  "Thank you, Father."  "You're welcome, my son.  And remember, God is always with you, even in the darkest times.  Trust in Him, and He will guide your path."  With those final words, the priest got up, turned up the aisle, and walked away, leaving Benji to do more praying.

     With the priest's words resonating in his heart, Benji got up, and walked out of the church feeling a newfound sense of purpose.  He returned to Nic and Nils, sharing his experience and the priest's advice.  Together, they renewed their commitment to finding Ruth, determined to keep going no matter what.  Over the next few days, armed with fresh determination, they continued their search.  Benji's newfound faith, though still fragile, gave him the strength to persevere.  He prayed silently as they moved through the bustling streets of Rome, asking for guidance and a sign to lead them to Ruth.  The days turned into weeks, but Benji's resolve never wavered.  He clung to the hope that Ruth was out there, somewhere, holding onto her own faith.  And as they continued their search, Benji's own journey of faith deepened, bringing him closer to God, who had given him strength to keep pushing forward.  Benji and Ruth's paths were intertwined, bound by faith and love.  Benji knew that no matter how long it took, with God's guidance and help, he would find Ruth.  And when he did, he would thank God for every step that He had used to bring them back together.

*Hey everyone, I know this chapter is a bit short.  I wanted to have Benji reach a turning point in his search to where he could only turn his eyes toward God.  I hope this resonates with some of you.  God is always with you and wherever you go He stands beside you!  Thanks for reading! - GodLover