The Heart of Rue - A Modern-Day Story of the Book of Ruth

Six

Six

And when Boaz had eaten and drunk, and his heart was merry, he went to lie down at the end of the heap of corn: and she came softly, and uncovered his feet, and laid her down.

fear not; I will do to thee all that thou requirest: for all the city of my people doth know that thou art a virtuous woman. ~Ruth 3: 7, 11

Tender Mercies

Late Fall

Grabbing the mail from the box, I take it to the kitchen and flip through the junk, stopping as a Utah state envelope comes into view. It is addressed to Ellis. Placing the rest of the mail on the counter, I open the envelope, pressing a hand against my heart as I read the contents. It is a notice from the state. The taxes on the house are due, and I have no way to pay it.

We could lose our home.

Even with the small amount I try to save for emergencies, I have nowhere near what we owe. I am stressed and scared, not for me, but for Nala. I promised to take care of her. That will not be possible is we are homeless. And selling the house is out of the question. Other than praying, I don't know what to do.

"What is it?" Nala asks entering the kitchen and seeing my expression.

I hand her the notice, watching the frown lines appear around her down-turned mouth. She quietly studies the paper for several moments, then handing it back to me, she says, "I need to pray." She turns and leaves the kitchen.

Later, Nala sticks her head in my room as I am getting ready for work. I smile at her absently. My mind has been preoccupied today, even before receiving the notice from the state. My thoughts have been on Bo and his absence. He had not come by yesterday or today, and I am anxious to see him, to be near him. I miss him far more than I should.

"May I come in?"

"Sure."

She enters and sits on the edge of the bed, her eyes moving around the room. Over the last month, I've found a few décor items at Goodwill to make it a little nicer. There is a framed print of Christ hanging on the wall over the head of the bed. On the dresser sits a silk flower arrangement, as well as a few church doctrinal books. On the small bedside table, I managed to find a picture of Christ holding the hand of a little black girl. The smile on the Savior's face as he looks down at her is priceless. Her eyes are so trusting as she returns his smile. There is a matching table in Nala's room–I had purchased the set.

"You said your shift will be later than normal tonight?" she asks.

"Yes, we're deep-cleaning the café tonight."

Nala holds her hand out to me and I take it, sitting down next to her. Though I can't read her expression, her eyes are brighter than they were earlier. "It's time, Rue."

"What do you mean?" I ask, puzzled. "Time for what?"

"Its time for you . . . and Bo."

"What do–"

She cuts me off. "It is time for you to reveal your true feelings for him. Do it tonight after everyone else has left."

Pulling my hand from hers, I stand up quickly. "I can't."

"Why not?" she counters, standing as well.

"Because he may not feel the same, and his rejection would be painful."

"Trust me, Rue, he will not reject you. I have seen his eyes following you whenever he is here. I have watched his face light up whenever you enter the room. The man is in love with you and he doesn't try to hide it. He can't."