The Boy and his Brother.

“Mrs. Amelia?”

“Yes, hon.”

“I… I—”

“If you were hoping to play, I think Jack is just finishing up his homework. I can send him over when he’s done.”

“No—Mrs. Amelia, please don’t send him over.”

“Oh… alright. Kiddo, are you okay? Do you need help? Why are you crying?”

“It’s… it’s Ralph. He—he—”

“Hey, hey. You’re okay. Come here, dear. Whatever happened, it’s going to be okay. Let’s go inside.”

“Make yourself at home. I heard you like cocoa. Would you like some? The water’s already boiled.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“Marshmallows?”

“No, thank you.”

“Whipped cream?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“Alright. Here you go. Take a few sips. Good? Good. Are you feeling up to talking now?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“Okay. What happened?”

“Dad left, and Mom and I heard a loud bang from his room, and… and—”

“Whose room? Ralph’s?”

“Y—yes. Yes, ma’am.”

“Okay. What happened next?”

“W—we knocked on the door. H—he didn’t answer, s—so Mom opened it. And… and then she screamed. I—I—I saw blood, and she pushed me out of the room. It was so quiet. I’m sorry, Mrs. Amelia. My mom told me to get out, and I—I didn’t know where else to go. I was so scared. I’m so sorry. I’m so sorry, Mrs—”

“Oh, kiddo. It’s okay. Come here. Shhh. I’m right here. I’m not going anywhere. You’re okay. Hey. Look at me.”

“Okay.”

“This is not your fault. This is not your fault. I am so proud of you, Austin. You are such a brave young man.”

“D—do you think he’ll be okay, Mrs. Amelia?”

“I don’t know, honey. We can only pray that he will be.”

“D—do you believe in God, Mrs. Amelia? I—I mean… are you religious?”

“Yes, Austin. I am. Do you believe in God?”

“Do you think God could save my brother?”

“If anyone could, it would be God. But sometimes we have to trust His plan. No matter what happens, it’s all a part of it.”

“How do you talk to Him, Mrs. Amelia?”

“Through prayer. When we pray, God hears us.”

“Do you think… maybe we could pray?”

“Of course. Close your eyes and bow your head. I’ll start, and then you say whatever you want. Tell Him anything. Okay?”

“Okay.”

“Dear Heavenly Father,

You brought this young boy to me today, and I pray that you lay your hand on him. Guide him. Take away his fear. Lord God, comfort his heart. Let him find peace knowing your will shall be done. There is none that compares to your name.

Lord, I pray that you be with their family. Watch over them. Let them know they have never walked alone, and they will not walk alone now.

God, I pray that you give them strength. Fill their hearts in this painful time. Let them know that at your feet all earthly troubles melt away. Give them hope and faith. Make yourself known in their hearts, minds, and souls.

Lord, if you take Ralph to your heavenly home, let them know he is at peace and no longer in pain. And if you allow him to remain here on this earth, let him know the depth of your love—deeper than the ocean, and deeper still. By your love, let him find healing.

Lord, I know you are with us now. You already know Austin. He is your child, loved even before the womb. Please protect him, and hear his first prayer to you.”

“Um… Lord. Please help my brother. Mrs. Amelia says you might be the only one who can. I want you to give him your love and peace, like she talked about. I—I don’t want to know how to live without him. Please, God. Please.”

“Mrs. Amelia, I don’t know how to end a prayer.”

“You say ‘amen.’ It means ‘I agree.’”

“Amen.”

“Amen.”

“Do you think He heard us?”

“Yes, dear. I believe He did.”

“What do we do now?”

“Now we wait. Would you like to play a game?”

“Yes. Do you have Battleship? That’s my favorite.”

“I do. It’s right over here—oh!”

“Okay. Here’s yours.”

“Mrs. Amelia?”

“Yes?”

“Thank you. For praying for Ralph and me.”

“Anytime. Thank you."

“For what?”

“For trusting me enough to tell me. That was very brave.”

“You’re welcome.”

“Oh—my phone’s ringing. Let me silence—”

“What?”

“It’s your mom. Hello? Yes, he’s with me. Oh—oh, that’s wonderful!”

“What is it?”

“Yes. Okay. We’ll be right over. Goodbye.”

“WHAT?”

“It's Ralph; he has a long road of recovery. But he's okay.”

“thank you.”