Reconciled in the End

Chapter 31: One purposeful ending

When Thomas woke again, he felt rested but a bit cold. Behind him, a still man's body rested. He expected this, but not as quickly. It probably was for the best, prolonging it would only cause more suffering. God had been good in that matter. Several days of this would have felt never-ending, making him second guess his actions to do something. The cold must have taken him down along with his infected, unhealed wounds.

"So much death, everyone has left me now, haven't they?" Thomas sobbed crying over the body of his dear friend, "But it's okay, really. Be at peace finally!"

He dragged his friend out and covered it respectfully in ashes. Praying to God, "Please care for Peter, and thank you that he no longer has to suffer. Tell Siren up there that I miss her too!"

He grieved the whole day, both happy for his loved ones and their final peace, but also missing them. Taking out his Bible, distracting himself and attempting consolation, he spotted Romans chapter five. A certain part struck him hard as he read it. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

"Holy Ghost, I really need you right now," he shivered. It was sure to be cold again tonight, too.

The passage still gave him comfort in why the righteous suffer. He would always have a hope only God could supply. No matter that all his friends had left for heaven, one friend promised never to leave him, the Holy Ghost, which gave him God's love. Thomas knew he was never alone, nor would ever be again. He would strive forward, God certainly had a purpose for him that he knew not.

As he ate silently, he knew there was nothing here for him, no supplies, people, or purpose. He also considered that he was no worse off wandering. He couldn't lose what he didn't have, and maybe he would find more.

He then smarted off, "What's the worst one can do to me? Kill me? I might desire that if all is in order..."

Thomas frowned as he puzzled that he ought to go back to the city. There were people there to reach, and God valued His children to repent. It was the main purpose of everything going on. It had to be Thomas's main drive too. He had strange comfort in this. He knew he had some task there, whatever it was.

The next day, he packed whatever jars he had in his pockets and set out. Clipping Siren's fountain pen to his collar, he felt encouraged by her memory. Then, silently, he strode forward toward the once familiar homeland. It had changed to a rotting mire, but he resolved to share his hope to all the dismal souls he could.

God truly ordained his mission, for as soon as he drifted down the rubble main streets, an ominous group approached. Thomas nodded, knowing what his reasons for living were yet. He had more business here than he realized. He stood cautious and collected, God would give him what he needed to handle this.

"Hello Thomas," a familiar, calm voice called behind him.

He frowned as he saw two approach him. In resignation, he knew even if he ran for it, this crowd of sinful humans would only grab him in a short couple of seconds. At times, the thought of joining Siren was comforting. Perhaps this was his chance. He waited, still and silent. He truly had only one message to say.

Thomas tried to hide his disappointment in them. He had known them since childhood and had been close friends in the long past together. He honestly didn't want their fate to flow as they had chosen, but chosen it they had in all wickedness. Now he hardly knew these people before him.

Tyrus, they ran together in sports competitions. Rachuel, the wise advice giver, the calmer of tense friend fights in their group. Thomas scanned the scene again, more faces popped into his periphery. Once good friends were tainted with malice, hearts set to do evil. He now felt surrounded by a pack of ravenous wolves.