Sarah's Story

James

He goes home to an empty house for the first time in nineteen years. As he walks through the door and through the familiar rooms, with only the sounds of his own footsteps, it hits him. "This may the way it is. This may be the future."

Yes, he knows that she is almost eighteen and will be graduating soon. But, she would then be coming home from college, dragging laundry. And, then later, much later, getting married and bringing grandchildren. So, it would never be truly empty.

But, that future might have changed, been permantly altered, by today's events. "No!" He screams," not going to happen! They will get it out of her and she will live to a ripe old age with her great- grandchildren surrounding her."

Taking a deep breath and running his fingers through his sweaty hair, he thinks," First things, first. A shower. I then will gather her things."

A hot shower and a clean head and body help him feel a bit better, a bit more human. After towel drying his hair and changing into the old sweats and t-shirt he wears to bed, he heads to Sarah's room to gather up what she needs.

Sarah's room is a mix of little girl and young woman. She still has her very first baby doll in place of honor on her dresser. The posters that cover her walls are of cute animals and rock bands. Her dresser top is filled with make-up, jewelry, as well as the aforementioned doll and a small collection of stuffed animals. The mirror has school pictures on it. One in particular catches his eye.

It is of Sarah, Beth, Josiah, as well as three others. He bets it is of the prayer group. He studies their faces searching for the faith he saw in their eyes today. After a minute, he places it back where Sarah had it.

With a sigh, he retrieves one of the many canvas bags that his daughter uses to carry books back and forth from the library. He begans to gather up stuff she had asked for. The brush and hairtie are easy. They are both sitting on the dresser. He picks up a matching pair of pj's, short sleeve that botton down the front, so she can wear them with the IV.

Her bible is on the nightstand. He picks it up and thumbs through it not sure what he is looking for. He stops at Job. Sarah had highlighted a verse and he stops to read it.

"The Lord gives and the Lord takes away. Blessed be the Name of the Lord."

"Nope," he thinks with bitterness," I am not ready to bless You for taking away Melanie. There is no way I am going to bless you if you take away Sarah." He ends up shouting. He places the bible in the bag not ready to read more. He reaches into the closet with a trembling hand and gets out her robe. He adds it to the bag. He then sinls into her bed. He puts his head into his hands and weeps.