Tears of an Orphan
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Episode 20
© Mary Francis Solomon
As Mrs. Peace was lost deeply in thought, Pastor James had already started dozing on the couch in the living room.
She quickly tapped him and urged him to go to the bedroom and sleep.
They went in, and as they lay on the bed, she kept turning endlessly, uncomfortable with what was disturbing her heart.
She decided to allow him to sleep a little because she knew he was tired from the day’s activities.
As she remained deep in thought, she also dozed off and didn’t wake up until the next day.
When she woke up, she prepared hot water and put it inside a flask.
They both dressed up and got ready to visit Caleb in the hospital.
Inside the car, she decided to tell him what had been bothering her.
“Babe, I don’t know if this is the right time to talk.
Something has been bothering me since last night, but I couldn’t tell you because we were both tired, especially you.
I didn’t want to keep you up for long…
I don’t know if this is the right time to say it,” she explained gently.
“It’s okay, my darling wife,” he said softly as he held the steering with one hand and gently squeezed her hand with the other.
“Remember I told you to always feel free to tell me anything that is disturbing you.
So what is it, my heart?”
“Babe… I’m so scared,” she blurted out.
He quickly glanced at the road and then turned sharply to look at her.
“What is troubling you, my peace of mind?” he asked.
“Hmm… when I went for antenatal, they said I won’t be able to give birth naturally.
They said I would have to give birth through Caesarean section every time.
And lately… I’ve been having scary dreams about the surgery not being successful,” she said, her voice shaking with fear.
“Really? Is that what the doctor told you?”
“Yes… and I’m scared.
You didn’t go with me that day because you were busy, but I wasn’t myself at all.
I tried to compose myself because I wanted to support you in ministry, but this thing has been disturbing me.
Anytime I want to tell you, fear holds me back.
I know we want a child together, but I am scared,” she said honestly.
“Okay baby, we’ll talk about it when we get home.
But before then, don’t be too scared.
We will pray about it and cancel whatever the enemy is planning.
I believe God will take control of everything.
You know I don’t like seeing you this way,” he said as he pecked her cheek.
He almost hit another car out of distraction, but he quickly controlled the car and focused fully on the road.
The car became silent, filled with different thoughts.
After some time, they drove into the hospital compound.
He parked the car and they entered Caleb’s ward.
They were surprised to see Caleb already sitting down, they greeted the nurses and the other people in the ward.
As they moved closer to him, Pastor James asked cheerfully,
“Hey young man, how are you?”
“Good morning sir, good morning ma,” Caleb greeted politely.
“Morning dear. So what’s your name?” Mrs. James asked.
“My name is Caleb,” he replied.
“Wow, what a wonderful name. I love your name,” Pastor James smiled.
Peace quickly dropped the items she brought and brought out a small cup.
She prepared tea for him and handed it over gently.
She also gave him slices of bread.
Caleb appreciated her as she sat quietly and watched him eat.
Pastor James decided to engage him in small conversation to help him feel free with them.
Later, as the nurse finished administering the last injection for Caleb, he was discharged. Pastor James decided to talk to Caleb more.
“I’m sorry… I was going for a church program with my wife when I mistakenly hit you with my car.
You were obviously drunk, and I didn’t even know where you were going.
So tell me — where do you stay and what do you do for a living?” Pastor James asked as they entered the car.
“Oh… sorry about that sir,” he said shyly, realizing he was hit because he was so drunk.
He had been heartbroken when the girlfriend he loved so much duped him of a large sum of money.
He felt that drinking would take away the sorrow and disappointment,
but little did he know he would be hit by a car.
Pastor James’ question reopened the wound in his heart.
“I stay in Ajegunle,” he replied.
“Okay, that’s amazing. Where do you work?”
“Bright and Clean Laundry Services,” he replied.
“Okay, that’s good. I will take you home to freshen up. But before then, I feel led to adopt you as my son,” Pastor James said,
and his wife nodded in support.
Caleb’s heart flooded with joy.
He was shocked and dumbfounded to hear that.
He had finally gotten help he never expected.
He couldn’t say a word because he didn’t know how to express the feelings in his heart.
He was grateful that God answered his prayers and brought someone to adopt him as a son.
“Oh wow… that’s amazing,” he muttered under his breath.
“Caleb, you’re not saying anything,” Pastor James said softly.
“Sir, I am so happy… I’m just shocked.
I don’t even know what to say.
I never knew that my help was this close.
I had already given up on school…
I had given up on having a family…
but thank you very much, sir.
I think I will accept it,” he said shyly.
“Good. You will freshen up and rest a little.
I guess you can remember where your workplace is, right?”
“Yes sir.”
“Good.
We have a conference going on in our church.
Since it’s just 10 and the afternoon session starts by 3:00,
I want you to rest.
You need it because of your injuries.
I don’t want to stress you.
I would have invited you for the conference,” Pastor James explained.
When Caleb heard about the church conference, he became angry because he felt he had nothing to do with God.
He wondered why God abandoned him and allowed his parents to die when he was still young.
But then, he thought again…
Since God brought Pastor James to help him,
and since he survived being hit by a car,
maybe he should give God another chance.
To be continued…..
Inspired by the Great Teacher.
Do not copy or edit this story without the author’s consent.
Stay blessed till we meet in the next episode.
Do not forget to like, share, and comment — it encourages me to do better.
Written by Mary Francis Solomon.