Something More

The First Miracle

Another Sunday Morning...

Christian Anthony's POV:

It's another Sunday...

I changed Imee's clothes by one of those I brought from the mall last Wednesday just for her. I carry her towards her newly brought electric wheelchair and take her out of the room.

"Wow, Imee! You look gorgeous with your clothes today!" One of the nuns passing by comments. "Who buy all those clothes, may I ask?"

"Hehehe! It's Anthony." Imee giggles and replies. "That's his gift to me."

"Oooh! There's a relationship forming between the two of you! Hehehe!" The nun punned us and giggles.

"Come on, please stop that." I replied to the nun with a smile.

Today will be the first communion of the group of children that Imee was teaching last week. The ritual will be synchronized with the celebration of Mass. Imee and I expected that there would be many people who will be attending the ceremonies...huh?

"Ate Imee!!!" A group of little girls noticed us in the facade of the church...and run towards us.

"Oh! Hi, kids! Hehehe!" Imee giggles as the girls pats her head. "Are you ready to receive your first communion?"

"Of course, we are! Hehehe!" One of the kids replies. "Oh, by the way, my parents wanted to see you."

"Hmm? Okay." Imee nods and then turned to me. "Come on, Anthony. Let's go."

We followed the kids as they approached their parents, formally dressed, and visibly eager to see her.

"Good morning, mam." Every parent approached Imee and kissed her hand. "So you are the one they are talking about. Nice to meet you."

"Yes, nice to meet you." Imee simply replies. "Say, what things are the kids are talking about me?"

"Well...you're the one who teaches them in preparation for their first communion, right?" Imee nods at a parent's explanation. "Our kids is telling us that you're holy. You're so good in telling and interpreting the Word of God to the children that they compared you to a priest. They are looking forward to be taught by you after this first communion."

"Yes...thank you for trusting me. I promise...I won't let you down."

With a bright smile on her face, I could sense on her how grateful she is. I could still remember what she said to me last Wednesday...that I was the first person...other than Father Jean and the nuns...who accepted her for who she is. And now...she is forming bonds with the children...and forming trust with others. She is happy...that everybody is starting to trust her.

"Imee! Anthony!" Father Jean's voice called us from the door of the church. "Could you please come here?"

"Yes, certainly." I complied with his command...pushing Imee's wheelchair to the Father...who in the looks of his face, is visibly sad.

"What is it, Father? Why are you sad, could you tell us?" I asked him with concern.

"...sigh...I expected that there are so many people who will attend the Mass today." Father Jean makes a deep sigh. "I expected that they will fill all the pews of the church...but look..."

And there...I see...an almost empty church. Only a few people turns out to celebrate first communion with us. As I can't believe with my eyes about this sad situation...I eavesdropped some talks from passersby that most people are busy getting into the trend of a popular mobile app game...leaving behind the true meaning of Sundays.