Faithful Horizons

Chapter 31: Quiet Before the Storm

Ethan shifted awkwardly in the stiff plastic chair by his mom's hospital bed. The rhythmic beeping of the heart monitor filled the silence, punctuated occasionally by the sound of nurses passing in the hallway. A half-empty Styrofoam cup of coffee sat on the tray table beside him, its contents long gone cold.

His mom stirred, her eyes fluttering open. She gave him a faint smile, her voice barely above a whisper. "You're here again."

"Where else would I be?" Ethan said, trying to sound casual.

His mom chuckled softly, though the sound was weak. "You're eighteen, Ethan. You should be out with your friends, not stuck in this place."

"I like being here," he said honestly, leaning forward. "Besides, you're kind of hard to replace."

Her eyes softened, and she reached out, her frail hand trembling slightly as she placed it over his.

"You're a good kid, you know that?"

Ethan shook his head, his throat tightening. "I haven't always been."

"You've always been good to me, "she said firmly. "Even when life hasn't made it easy on you."

Ethan didn't respond, his gaze dropping to the worn Bible resting on the edge of the tray table. He'd been reading it in bits and pieces over the past few weeks, though he still felt like he was only scratching the surface.

"You've changed," his mom said after a long pause. "It's a good change. I can see it in you."

Ethan's chest tightened at her words, a mix of pride and guilt swirling inside him.

Later that evening, Ethan sat in the parking lot of the hospital, staring out at the glow of the streetlights. His mom's words echoed in his mind, intertwining with Grace's steady encouragement and the new peace he was slowly beginning to feel.

Pulling out his phone, he typed a quick text to Grace:

Ethan: You up for a late-night drive?

Her reply came almost instantly.

Grace: Always. Where are we going?

The two of them ended up at the overlook on the edge of town, the city lights sprawling below like a field of stars. Ethan leaned against the hood of his car, his hands in his pockets as Grace stood beside him, her arms crossed against the cool night air.

"You've been quiet," she said, glancing at him. "What's on your mind?"

Ethan hesitated, his gaze fixed on the horizon. "My mom," he said finally. "She told me again today that she can see I've changed. That I'm different now."

Grace's expression softened. "That's because you are."

Ethan turned to her, his brow furrowed. "But what if I mess it up? What if I go back to the way I was?"

"You won't," Grace said, her voice steady. "Because you're not doing this alone, Ethan. You've got me, and you've got God. and I know it doesn't feel like it sometimes, but you're stronger than you think."

Ethan looked at her, the sincerity in her eyes cutting through the doubts swirling in his mind.

"Do you ever worry about messing up?" he asked softly.

Grace smiled faintly. "All the time. But that's why I lean on God. because I know I can't do it on my own."

Her words settled over him like a warm blanket, the knot in his chest loosening slightly.

"You always know what to say," he said with a faint smile.

"No, I don't," Grace said, laughing lightly. "But I know God does. And I just try to listen."

Ethan nodded, his gaze returning to the twinkling lights below. For the first time in a long time, he felt like he didn't have to run anymore.

As they drove back into town, the radio hummed softly in the background. Grace reached over, her hand brushing lightly against his.

"You're doing good, Ethan," she said quietly. "Don't forget that."

He glanced at her, his chest tightening with gratitude. "Thanks, Grace. For everything."

She smiled, her fingers lingering against his for a moment before she pulled away.

Ethan dropped her off at her house, watching as she waved before heading inside. He sat in the driveway for a moment, his mind restless.

This quiet wouldn't last forever. He could feel it - the storm brewing just beyond the horizon. But for now, he'd hold onto this moment and trust that he'd find the strength to face whatever came next.

A/N:

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