Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: STRESSED - Begins January 18 / Ends January 25 (01/18/18)
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TITLE: 30 Seconds | Previous Challenge Entry
By Jack Taylor
01/24/18 -
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Skate blades flashed as the teen slashed her way behind the net and pushed the puck ahead of her with the curved blade of her stick. Two strides later a burly defender pasted her to the boards and she bounced onto the ice and spun like a bag of onions falling off a semi-trailer truck.
“Get up, Megs!” a voice shouted as a crowd of faces and jerseys kaleidoscoped into a mashed rainbow.
Winded, Maggie Ryan gasped for breath and pushed herself to her knees. An elbow to the back of her head sent her crashing face first into the ice. A pounding surf of roars filled her head and a rushing river of nausea swept up her throat from her stomach.
Minutes later, in an out of body experience, she watched herself being stretchered down the tunnel toward a waiting ambulance. The siren blared and then cut off mid-stream. All went dark.
“Maggie Elizabeth Ryan, stand and face your Maker,” droned the angelic messenger.
Flashing lights, rolling thunder and an overwhelming sense of wonder squeezed her soul like a straight-jacket. A majestic presence filled the space of everywhere and breathing seemed impossible. The face of her former boyfriend emerged like a holographic presence nearby.
The majestic voice filled her mind. “Maggie Elizabeth Ryan – what is this feeling that fills your heart toward this man?”
A deep flush enveloped her. There were no words before the one who sees and knows all.
“Maggie Elizabeth Ryan – what is this thought that plagues you day and night when you think of that grade you got? What is this dream you cherish so tightly that there seems to be no room for me? What is this surge of adrenaline that consumes your spirit when you get on the ice?”
A great shrinking and a great releasing enveloped her. Her spirit jerked away faster than the Millenium Falcon at warp speed.
“Megs, Megs, Megs Ryan!” The authoritive voice erupted behind her. “Breathe, Megs.”
A rush of life filled her lungs as another surge electrified every nerve ending. “That’s it, breathe.”
A great peace swept her into another realm and a strong vision of the tiny sailboat she once floated on a pond near home settled in her mind’s eye.
“Megs, it’s me, dad, talk to me angel.”
Her weak groan gained a strong squeeze on her arm. “Relax, angel, relax, you’re going to be okay.”
An eternity of sensations later, Maggie focused on opening her eyes. Darkness. She wrinkled her brows and wrestled against something that held her still.
“Shhh, relax, Megs. They need you to be still.”
Words groped for escape from out of her throat and through her lips.
“What happened?”
“The ambulance got hit by a street racer and we almost lost you. Your mom was with you and she’s still on life support – but we’re here.”
“Dad?”
“Yes, angel. Be still, I’m going to let mom know you’re awake.”
“Dad.”
“Yes, Megs. It’s all going to be okay. God is taking care of us.”
“I saw him.”
“Saw who?”
“God.”
“Megs, they lost you for a few minutes, but you’re here now.”
“Why didn’t you tell me about him?”
“About God?”
“Yes, dad, there’s more to life than hockey.”
“Yes, Megs, I just wanted you to have it all. You can still do it. Your neck, back and leg will heal. You’ll be out scoring goals in no time. Next year we’ll get that championship. We just needed 30 more seconds.”
“Your brother’s here. Just relax.”
Footsteps fade.
“Hey, sis.” A gentle squeeze compressed her bicep. “Good thing you dumped that jerk you were dating. He’s the guy that broadsided the ambulance. Doubt they even got him to the hospital in time.”
The straight-jacket compressed her lungs again. Alarms sounded. Running feet. Chest compressions. Chained Adrenaline - Feeling like a bucking bronco penned and shackled to ground stakes. Confusion. The holographic face – his face – the old boyfriend - regret, shame, guilt, anger, rage, humiliation, revenge.
Another voice. The space-filling voice from beyond. “Time to forgive.”
“No.”
“I forgave.”
“Why?”
“Love. Repentance. Faith.”
“How?”
“Leave it with me.”
“How?”
“Let go.”
“Of what?”
“Everything.”
“Him?”
“Yes.”
“Hockey?”
“Yes.”
“Give me 30 seconds.”
“Why?”
“I’m feeling stressed.”
“You’re only beginning, but I’m here with you. All the way.”
“Will I live?”
“More than you ever have.”
“What about mom?”
“I’ll take care of her.”
“It’s all yours.”
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