Walking out of This World

Twenty Two

Read.

Pray.

Vespers and a long talk with Rick.

That was yesterday.

Today I'm looking for Boss. It's time to face the hurt.

I spot Boss invested in savoring the last bites of a delicious mid day dinner.

It's time to shake the tree.

"How's the jungle treating you these days, Boss?" It's obvious Boss wasn't expecting me.

He twists his head up and gives me a what's up look. "Same as ever." He quips. The words clank in my ears.

"I'm in need of some exercise. Care to take a walk with me?" I ask, not wanting to spill out my whole plan and spring a nervous reaction.

"Sure, buddy!"

The front door opens with a groan and we are slapped in the face by the cold winter air.

"You got another smoke we could share along the way?" He asks.

Bags under his eyes droop into the wrinkles attacking his face.

"Nope. I gave it up."

"How'd you do that? That's some powerful good stuff."

"Powerful is right," I reply.

"You got a quarter you could spare?" The hurt must be talking. It sounds like he's working down a list of possible diversions.

"Would you like a way out of all this reality drama you're living?"

"Sure. I just don't have the energy for the trip." Sounds like his brain is laboring to confirm what his experience is telling him.

"You helped me escape...and...well...I want to return the favor."

"How you goin' to do that?"

"How dark is it inside you, Boss?"

"Black as night!"

"You want to light it up?" His eyelids pop up and his stare is fixed on me like glue on paper.

"What?" His mouth opens and the words shoot out, wrinkles scurry toward his ears.

"...he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of his dear Son, who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins. Sin is the darkness. It's like a black hole that pulls you down and crushes you with its fist."

"You been there?" Boss asks.

"Yeah. It was those smokes. They twisted my brain...There was the whispering...It kept pushing me, " I reply.

"Yeah. I know what you're talking about there!"

"You want to get rid of it?"

The wrinkles are quivering. "Yeah! We can do that?"

"You can do that!"

"Okay. Let's get on with it!" Boss's voice reveals a conviction that hope is on its way.

I place my hands on his shoulders and we stand face to face. "Close your eyes and repeat after me. I command the evil to leave my body in the name of I AM!"

"I command the evil to leave my body in the name of I AM!"

"That was weak. Say it again!"

"I command the evil to leave my body in the name of I AM!"