The quiet serenity of the lake weekend get away had stayed with Mia long after she returned to the hustle and bustle of her daily life. She often found herself replaying the sounds of the water, the rustle of the trees, and the peaceful look on Alex's face when they'd sat together under the stars. Those moments felt like a secret, tucked away in her heart, a reminder of the time they'd stolen from the world.
But the reality of Alex's illness was never far from her thoughts. Every phone call, every text message, every visit to the bookshop carried the weight of the truth she couldn't escape. Alex's health was slipping, and even as he smiled through their time together, Mia could see the toll it was taking on him. He was growing quieter, and the tiredness of his eyes were becoming harder to ignore.
One day, after a particularly quiet afternoon at the shop, Mia walked out into the crisp autumn air, her mind clouded with worries she didn't know how to express. She'd been doing her best to stay strong for Alex, but the fear was starting to chip away at her.
She decided to take a walk in the park to clear her mind. As she walked, she noticed a familiar face approaching from the other side of the path. It was Emma, friend from church who she hadn't seen in what felt like donkey years. Emmer and Mia had also gone to the same primary and secondary school, however eventually drifted when they moved on to university and eventually lost contacts. Emma had always been a kind soul, the kind of person who believed wholeheartedly in the power of prayer and the strength of faith. She was someone who always seemed to have the right words to say in times of trouble.
"Mia!" Emma called, waving enthusiastically as she neared. "It's been so long!"
"wow Emma! I didn't expect to see you here!" Mia said, a genuine smile spreading across her face. It felt good to be in the presence of someone who carried a calm energy, someone who didn't know about the weight Mia was carrying.
"I recently got a job and moved in the area. I've been coming to the park after work to pray and reflect," Emma explained. "It's always been my spot to find peace. How have you been?"
Mia hesitated for a moment. She could feel the heaviness in her chest, but she didn't want to burden Emma with the weight of her worries. Still, she found herself saying, "It's been tough, actually. A friend of mine is really sick. And no matter how much I try to help, I feel like I'm losing him."
Emma's expression softened. "I'm so sorry, Mia. That sounds incredibly hard." She paused for a moment, her brow furrowing slightly. "Would you mind sharing more with me? I'd love to listen."
Mia bit her lip, uncertain but there was something in Emma's compassionate eyes that made her feel safe. "Let's grab a coffee at the local coffee shop, it's Alex and I's special spot." Mia said with a little grin. "Would love to hear more about this Alex," said Emma reflecting Mai's grin.
Upon entry into the cafe, a warm cup of coffee before both ladies, Mia began to slowly share the story of Alex—their time together, the joy they'd found despite his illness, and the difficult reality of his diagnosis. As she spoke, her voice wavered, but Emma simply listened, her presence like a balm for Mia's aching heart.
When Mia had finished, Emma took a deep breath and said, " I am sorry you both have had to go through this Mia". She paused then said. "I know someone who can be able to help."
Mia's heart skipped a beat. "Help? You mean, medically?"
"Not exactly," Emma replied, her eyes shining with a quiet conviction. "But I know a minister who has a gift for healing. He's a Christian Pastor. I've seen him work miracles, Mia. Not just physical healing, but emotional and spiritual healing too. He's helped people with illnesses like the one your friend has, and more."
Mia felt a rush of hope mix with disbelief. "I—I've heard of people like that, but… I don't know. I mean, it seems so... impossible, doesn't it?"
Emma smiled gently. "It's not impossible if you believe. I've seen too many things I can't explain to doubt. And I know that your friend, Alex, is someone who deserves healing. He's got a good heart, Mia. I can feel it just from hearing about him."
Mia swallowed hard. A part of her wanted to dismiss it, to say it was just a fantasy. But another part, the part that was desperate to do anything to save Alex, felt a stirring of hope. She had seen how much Alex believed in the power of love, how he had given so much of himself to others, and perhaps he deserved a chance at this miracle.
"Would you be willing to talk to him?" Emma asked. "I know the healer personally. His name is Samuel, and he works out of a small chapel on the outskirts of town. If you'd like, I can introduce you."
Mia stood there for a moment, torn. She wanted to believe, she wanted to trust that there was a way to heal Alex, but everything she had ever known about medicine and science told her that this was a long shot. Still, what did she have to lose? She had already watched Alex fade before her eyes. What if this was their last hope?
"I'll do it," Mia said finally, her voice quiet but firm. "I'll go. I owe it to Alex to at least try."
Emma's face lit up with relief. "I'll arrange everything. Samuel will be more than happy to meet with you. I'll pray that this works, Mia. I really will."
The two women exchanged a hug, and Mia's mind raced with the possibility of what was to come. Could this stranger really help Alex? Was it even possible for someone to heal what seemed unhealable?
As Mia walked back to the bookshop, she clung to the glimmer of hope Emma had given her. She couldn't ignore it. She wouldn't.
When she arrived, Alex was sitting in the back, reading a book. He looked up as she entered, his eyes brightening when he saw her.
"Hey," he said, setting the book down. "Everything okay?"
Mia took a deep breath. "Yes, all good," Mia said with a hesitance to share what had just happened.
Alex furrowed his brow. "Are you sure? You look a bit..."
"Yeh, I'm fine, everything will be okay Alex," she said leaning forward embracing him. They stood there in silence in each others arms. Some times, words are not needed. Moments like these are just treasured.
Perhaps this healer could in fact heal my Alex, Perhaps there will be a forever for us. These thoughts ran through Mia's mind as they stood there.