His Perfect Love

Chapter 1

He was awakened by a loud crash. He groaned and lit the lantern. Where did that sound come from? He wiped his groggy eyes and realized that he must have fallen asleep reading his Bible. He still had on his shirt and trousers. He moved to the front of the house where he thought the noise had come from. The house was dark and no light was coming from outside. Strange.

He carefully opened the door in case anyone was going to attack. He looked out and saw nothing, but then a small moan came from below. He looked down and saw a small-looking girl on the porch. He knelt down and looked closer. She had been beaten badly with bruises all over her face and neck. They were probably someplace else too. There were cuts on her lips and one on her cheek. She was breathing raggedly, probably a sign of injured ribs. Her bare feet had blisters and scrapes. She was going to need a doctor right away.

"Allison! Are you awake?" he called.

Allison came rushing out a minute later, tying her dressing gown strings.

"What is it Clayton?" she asked then froze. "What happened?!"

"I'm not sure. I heard a noise, came out here and found her lying like this."

"We have to take her to Dr. Brown right away!" she exclaimed.

"I know. I was planning on it. I'll go ready the wagon. Why don't you gather some blankets or something to make the wagon bed more comfortable?"

"Of course," she said then ran off into the house.

He went out to the barn and hitched up the horses, Bob and Cream, to the wagon. They snorted and swung their tails.

"I know it's nighttime, but we gotta go on a little run now," he said to them.

Allison came back with an armload of blankets and pillows. She was puffing from the exercise.

"Go ahead and make up a little bed for her. I'm gonna carry her over here."

He went back to the porch and picked up the girl. She was small and didn't weigh very much. He could feel her bones sticking out. As he accidentally jostled her, she drew in a deep breath. He again looked down at her. She didn't look to be very old, maybe fifteen or sixteen but he couldn't be sure. Why would anyone want to hurt her like this? The thought of someone hurting a girl like that angered him. What if someone would do that to Allison?

He carried her carefully to the wagon without incident. Then he gently set her down on the bed Allison had made up. Allison made sure she was tucked in and safe. Then they both climbed in the wagon. Allison held a lantern to light their way. Dear Heavenly Father, he prayed, watch over this girl. Don't let her injuries be too great.

It was silent the first few minutes on their way to the doctor's office. Then Allison spoke.

"Who do you suppose did that to her?" she asked, her voice was soft

"I'm not sure. You should pray for her," he suggested.

"Already am, brother, already am," she said with a small smile.

It was silent, and then she spoke again.

"Do you think she'll be all right, Clayton?"

"I'm sure she'll be fine. Doc is a great healer," Clayton said.

"But not as great a Healer as God," she said.