Some whispered that Redemption Church held the key to peace and blessingsâthat sincere prayers could ensure a lifetime of peace for oneâs family.
After Adrianâs discharge, they climbed the church steps hand in hand, each step a prayer, each movement a promise to face life together, no matter the obstacles.
At the foot of the stairs stood their friends and family, their faces glowing with happiness and contentment, sharing in the love and peace of the moment.
Joelle stood before the towering statue of Redemption Church, her head bowed in solemn prayer. âMay we have this day every year, and this moment every year.â
Adrian looked at her, his gaze soft and full of affection. âIâm not that greedy. I just want to grow old with you, Joelle. Never to be parted.â
When Katherine saw Joelle and Adrian praying so earnestly, she pulled at Shawnâs sleeve and said, âWe should join them and pray too.â
Lily tugged at Ferris, her eyes bright with excitement. âLetâs go!â
The four of them quickly made their way up the steps, filling the Redemption Church with their energy.
The church was alive with movement, the air vibrant with a sense of community.
Bobby, however, was unfazed. âTheyâre just following the crowd. I donât believe in any of this.â
Fannie, standing beside him, moved forward with a thoughtful look. âIâll go pray too, hoping for a big leap in my career next year.â
Bobbyâs discomfort was evident. âReally? Is that all you ever think about?â
Fannie gave him a sharp glance. âWhat else should I think about?â
âYou ungrateful girl.â Bobby stepped forward, walking briskly ahead of Fannie.
His thoughts were singular. All he wanted was for Fannie to feel more for him.
He wanted her to crave his presence, to be consumed by her need for him.
He wished for nothing more than that. Surely, that wasnât too much to ask for.
With winter break approaching, Allie and Rafael arrived with Lucas in tow.
Lucas, ever curious, tugged at Rafaelâs sleeve. âDad, I want to go see too.â
âAlright, letâs go.â Rafael smiled, lifting Lucas effortlessly with one hand.
Allie quickly wrapped her arms around Rafaelâs other arm. âI want to go too!â
Rafael had no choice but to hold her hand as they walked up the stairs.
At the top, Callan couldnât help but smile as he saw the area already filled with people.
Leah had brought the children along to join in, while Michael remained where he stood, quietly watching.
âWonât you go pray?â Callan asked with a grin.
âNo,â Michael replied, his voice calm. âI donât have any wishes.â
Callan chuckled. âReally? Even though Iâm getting older, I still have wishes. Youâre young; you should have plenty of goals.â
Michael let out a dry chuckle, stepping on a dry twig. âCallan, what is it that you want?â
âIâm getting old. Iâve started to fear death. All I want now is good health.â The weight of his words hung in the air, and for a moment, Michael didnât speak. Callanâs mind wandered to Lacey, the woman he had lost so many years ago.
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