Short Stories

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“One day, I am going to have the most wonderful boyfriend ever!, Mary clapped her hands and flipped her long, blond hair. “He will be handsome and sweep me off my feet! ”

“You’re daydreaming,” said Jill. “We’re only twelve. Who’s going to sweep us off our feet, now? Besides, what about caring about you and listening and having a good personality? Don't you want someone like that?”

Mary waved her hand in the air. “Nah, I don't care about that. As long as he's cute and has money to take me places; that’s all I want.”
Both girls perked up as the doorbell rang. “Who could that be, this late?”

Mary glanced at the clock, surprised to see it was after ten. They should have been in bed an hour ago.

“Let’s sneak down and see,” said Jill, grinning.
The two girls tiptoed down the stairway, to find Mary’s mother crying at the front door.

“Mom, what’s wrong?” Mary asked, rushing to her mother’s side.

“Mary, get your shoes on. Your father has been in a car accident. We have to get
to the hospital quickly. They don't know if he will make it through the night.”

“Should I go home?” Jill asked. “I think you need to handle this as a family.”

“No, stay Jill. You are like my sister. I need you.” She turned to her mother. “Please, Mom? Please say she can go with us.”

“Okay, if you think it will help.”

Mary felt grateful to have Jill holding her hand as she followed her mother to the emergency room reception desk. The nurse led them to her father’s room.

Mary felt faint when she saw her father. He was hooked up to many machines, and he looked very pale. Still, he smiled when Mary walked closer.
“It's okay, Mary. I’m not a ghost! I’ll be all right. These machines are helping my body, and pretty soon I will be home again. It is still me, I’m just a little sick, right now.”

Mary felt as if her father’s eyes looked straight at her heart. Such loving eyes. She forced herself to smile. “I know, Dad. We will have plenty of time to play ball and go to the movies. They say it's important for you to rest. I just wanted to tell you I love you. “Mary could hardly keep from crying, but she didn't want her father to see her upset.

“I love you, too. No matter how old you become, you will always be my
little girl.”

Mary leaned over to give her father a kiss, and he did his best go hug her, despite the tubes and wires attached to his body.
“My medicine is making me sleepy, honey, so why don’t you relax in the waiting area and let me rest.”

Mary nodded and returned to the waiting room, where Jill waited with a cup of hot chocolate. In a moment, her mother came to sit beside them.
“Tell me the truth, Mom. He’s really hurt, isn’t he?”
Mary’s mother cleared her throat and took her daughter’s hand. “Tonight is very important. The doctor said that, if he lives tonight, he might have some brain damage.”
“If he lives?” Mary said.

Her mother nodded. The next ten hours are critical, and he could either live or die. We don't know what his body will do.”

Mary had never seen her mother look so sad. She appeared to be in a daze. “Can—can I get you anything, Mom?”

“Sure. Why don't you and Jill go the cafeteria and get me a soda.”

“Okay.”

Again, Jill took Mary’s hand as they walked down the corridor to the hospital cafeteria.
As they waited in line, Jill patted Mary’s back. “How are you doing Mary? I know this must really upset you.”

“I’m not sure. It seems like a dream; a bad dream. I have never thought my dad could get sick or end up in an accident. I mean, he's my dad! I have always thought of him as indestructible. Nothing could hurt him. Now, I see him in the bed and he looks so fragile. It's almost like he isn't my dad.” Mary’s voice cracked and she blinked hard.

Jill waved at a man sitting at nearby table. “Mary, there is someone I'd like you to meet. While you were visiting your father, I met John. He is works in the hospital, and he helps people who are going through hard times like you and your mom.” Jill tugged Mary’s arm and led her to the table.

To make a long story short Mary and John talked for hours. He was a chaplain and asked Mary about her faith and he explained how Jesus
was with her and her family and they prayed and talked all night.

At one point Mary had this strange feeling that everything would be alright.

“John, I know my father will be fine. I sense Jesus telling me that. I heard Jesus say that He was with him and not to worry.” Mary had the
most calm look on her face.

A half an hour later, the doctor came in. “I don't know how to explain it, but a little while ago, his vital signs became normal. I tested his thought processes, and I think he will have no lasting effects from the accident. I am amazed. I have never seen anything like it!”

Mary’s mother cried and hugged her. “It’s a miracle!”

Mary hugged Jill, then turned to John, who’d accompanied them to the waiting area to pray with Mary’s mother. “We know what happened, don't we, John.”
He nodded.

Mary leaned over and whispered in Jill’s ear. “You know, I think I want a boyfriend who loves Jesus, instead of all that other stuff.”

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