Faithful Horizons

Chapter 36: Ethan's Leadership

Ethan stood in front of his desk, staring at the notebook filled with scribbled verses and questions from his latest deep dive into the Bible. Normally, this time of night he'd be focused and immersed, but something felt off.

Grace's quiet mood during the last few hangouts gnawed at him. She hadn't been her usual self - no light teasing, no animated enthusiasm when they talked about scripture. When he asked if she was okay, her answers felt rehearsed like she was trying to convince both of them that she was fine.

And the truth was, Ethan didn't know what to do about it.

He flopped onto his bed, running a hand through his hair.

She's always been there for me. She's helped me through every doubt, and every question.

The thought made him pause. Grace had been his constant - a source of faith and reassurance when he was at his lowest. But maybe now, it was his turn to be there for her.

He grabbed his phone, hesitating for only a second before typing a text:

Ethan: Hey. I've been thinking... Can we talk?

An hour later, they sat on a bench in the park, the cool evening breeze rustling the trees. Grace hugged her jacket tighter around her, staring at the ground while Ethan watched her carefully.

"Grace," he said gently, breaking the silence. "I know something's been bothering you. You don't have to pretend with me."

She sighed, her fingers gripping the edge of her sleeves. "I'm fine, Ethan. Really."

He shook his head. "You're not. And it's okay if you're not."

Grace's lips trembled, her composure cracking as tears welled in her eyes. "I just..." She paused, her voice breaking. "I feel like I'm failing. I'm supposed to be helping you, guiding you, but lately, I don't even feel like I know what I'm doing."

Ethan's heart twisted at the raw vulnerability in her voice. "Why do you think you're failing?"

Grace swiped at her eyes, her shoulders slumping. "Because I don't feel God right now. I don't feel his presence, and it's terrifying. How am I supposed to help you grow in your faith when I'm doubting mine?"

Ethan stared at her, his mind racing. Grace had always been the strong one, the confident one. Seeing her like this - unsure and hurting - was both jarring and humbling.

"Grace," he said softly, reaching for her hand. "You're not failing. And you're not alone in this. You've been there for me through everything. Let me be here for you now."

She sniffled, looking at him through teary eyes. "You don't have to"

"Yes, I do," Ethan said, his tone firm but kind. "Because that's what this is about, right? Supporting each other and trusting God together. You don't have to have all the answers. And you don't have to carry this by yourself."

Grace's lips curved into a small, trembling smile. "You sound like me," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Maybe I've been paying attention," Ethan said, his smile soft.

They stayed on the bench for a while, talking in quiet tones as Grace opened up about her doubts and fears. Ethan listened intently, his heart aching for her but also swelling with determination.

"Have you prayed about it?" he asked gently.

Grace nodded. "A little. But it feels... empty, I guess."

Ethan thought for a moment before standing and offering her his hand.

"Come on," he said.

She frowned, looking up at him. "Where?"

"Just trust me."

Grace hesitated before taking his hand, letting him pull her to her feet.

They walked to a small hill near the edge of the park, where the city lights twinkled in the distance. Ethan sat down on the grass beside him.

"Remember when I told you I didn't think I could pray?" he asked as she settled next to him.

Grace nodded.

"You told me to just talk to God. Like I was talking to a friend," Ethan said. "So maybe that's what you need to do now."

Grace glanced at him, her expression uncertain.

"Let's do it together," Ethan offered, his voice steady. "I'll start."

She hesitated before nodding, her lips pressing into a tight line.

Ethan bowed his head, the words coming slowly at first but gaining momentum as he spoke. "God, I just want to thank You for Grace. She's been such an incredible blessing in my life, and I know she's going through a tough time right now. Please remind her that she's not alone, show her that You're with her, even when it might not feel like it. And help me be the kind of friend she needs right now."

He glanced at Grace, who was biting her lip, tears glistening on her cheeks.

"You don't have to say anything fancy," Ethan said gently. "Just talk to him."

Grace closed her eyes, her voice trembling as she began to pray. "God, I don't even know what to say. I feel so far away from You, and I hate it. But I need You. Please help me trust that You're still here, even when I can't feel it."

When they opened their eyes, Grace let out a shaky breath. "Thank you," she whispered.

Ethan smiled. "That's what I'm here for."

As they walked back to her car, Grace's steps felt lighter, her heart a little less burdened.

"You're a natural at this," she said, glancing at Ethan.

"At what?"

"Being there for people. Helping them when they need it most."

Ethan shrugged, s small smile playing on his lips. "I'm just doing what you taught me."

Grace chuckled softly, her hand brushing against his as they walked. "Well, you're doing a pretty good job."

Ethan's smile widened, and for the first time, he felt like he wasn't just learning to follow his faith - he was learning to lead.

A/N:

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