The Watcher

Untitled Part 2

                        She wasn't raised in a religious household. Great aunt Ruth had thought that the idea of there being a higher power was nothing more than hocus pocus. Her mother's passing didn't even change her great aunt Ruth's views. In fact, it only made her hate the idea of religion even more.

"Now baby girl, don't be silly. If there was a God, why would he give people diseases? Why would he kill innocent mothers? Innocent children? The smartest people in this world know that this idea of an invisible man beyond the clouds is just stupid. Only stupid people believe that stuff, honey."

"Did mama believe?"

A long silence filled the room.

"Um, yes baby girl, she did. But only when she knew she wasn't going to make it. She figured if there was a God, if she believed in him, she would see you again. Your mother was not stupid though."

"Great aunt Ruth?"

"Yes, baby girl?"

"Your sound quite hypocritical. Mama had to have been stupid, based on what you said. If she was, and my dad was, how am I so smart? Was it God who made me this way?"

She never did get a response. Rather, she received just a loud, obnoxious scoff, and a slamming door behind great aunt Ruth, as she stormed out of the room they had both just been. Another memory repressed to the back of her mind. No adult likes to be outsmarted by children, but great aunt Ruth despised it with every fiber of her being.

Friendship with Miles had brought on her faith. Spending countless hours with him and his Christian family, made her start to believe in the idea of God. At first, it was awkward for everyone. But with love and patience, his family had accepted her as one of their own, regardless of what she believed.

"Would you like to lead us in prayer?"

"Prayer?"

She hadn't known that word, the smart, intelligent little girl, was baffled. An eyebrow raised as she stared at Mrs. Larson.

"yes, prayer. Have you not prayed before?"

She shook her head. She didn't even know what it was, so how could she have done it. Miles' bothers giggled at her, but she didn't seem to be phased at all. Not everyone knew everything, and great aunt Ruth had said that it was okay. The giggles continued until Mrs. Larson quickly scolded them.

"DEXTER COLE! LINUS JUDE! That is rude, would Jesus have laughed at her?"

Both boys shook their heads and immediately looked at Mr. Larson. He shrugged his shoulders and looked back down. Mrs. Larson smiled reassuringly at her.

"That's okay, sweetie, we will show you. Miles, would you like to lead?"

The Larson's all bowed their heads, miles included. Mrs. Larson smiled and nodded. She knew what that meant, it was a signal to do the same. Great aunt Ruth had done that many times, almost daily. She bowed her head, not knowing what to expect. Silence filled the room until Miles' voice broke it.

"Bless us oh Lord, for these thy gifts which we are about to receive from thy bounty, through Christ our Lord. Lord, please continue to make us truly thankful, and continue to bless our family. And please Lord, forgive us when we have sinned. I ask this in the name of your son, Jesus. Amen"

"Amen"

The Larson's had concluded and raised their heads. Mrs. Larson smiled at her. She smiled back. She hadn't heard anything so beautiful in her life. By this point, the Larson boys had already dug into the feast set on the table. And at that point, she knew she could do the same. They talked about one another's days. How was work honey? Boys, how was school? Linus, please chew with your mouth closed. Dexter, elbows off the table. Miles, honey please swallow your food before you start talking. The family talk seemed so calm, or so the Larson family made it look. A memory, a pleasant one. Her first encounter with not only God but the Larson family also.

She walked home that day, Miles walked with her until he came to his street. Normally he would walk her home and then make his way back, but today he didn't. She didn't know why, but she figured she walked alone every morning. What difference did the afternoon make? The sun had just begun to set. It sank, slowly as the moon appeared. It was prepared to take its shift.

"Sorry, but I really have to go now. I'll catch you tomorrow though. Are you sure you'll be okay?"

She smiled, she could somewhat sense the worry in his voice.

"I'll be fine, Miles. I'll see you tomorrow. Have a good night. I'll text you when I get home."

Miles smiled back but did something different. He leaned in and wrapped his arms around her waist. He was hugging her. He normally never hugged her. She stood frozen, shocked. She didn't understand what why miles had decided to make this decision out of nowhere. She hugged him back tightly, and then broke the embrace and smiled.

"Goodnight" Miles whispered.

"Goodnight"

Little did she know, that simple action, that heartwarming hug, may have given her one more day on this earth.