07-04-2020, 03:49 PM
He just nodded, hand retracting to his lap. In the time he came to know Natalie, he found a soul steeped in self-preservation. He understood and was not offended when the offered hand of comfort was deflected toward another, although the reason why tightened fresh flutters his chest. “You love him,” he said, searching her face for a flicker of confirmation. He didn’t need the cue. Instead, he searched for the evidence of self-acknowledgement. He couldn’t help but think of Jessika in that moment, but he did not speak to what was left behind. Jay was an incredible person, and slept eluded him these past few nights for one strong reason. Worry.
Because to love was to worry. “Do you know what the Bible’s most common repeated saying is?” His tone drawled with heavy accent, but it lacked even an ounce of condescension. He always found the answer odd, that a collection of works most important to the Hebrews was not to uphold law, love each other, or even love their maker. “It’s ‘do not be afraid.’ That makes us think that the greatest force on earth is not love, but rather, it’s fear. This might break him. If it does, I won't abandon the pieces.” Then, after a moment, he added, "we won't."
Waves of the power echoed in the distance. Jay’s hold on the Gift was expanding to greater strength. Every few moments, Jensen winced with the sudden surges, as if he could watch what unfolded with the inner sense of horror. It dredged his soul, knowing what was happening, and knowing that he spurred Jay to action. The whole of this bloody ordeal would taint Jensen’s soul, but he accepted the dark lacquer willingly, if only to spare others from further pain.
The final question left him tight-lipped. Cayli was old enough to make her destination in the afterlife uncertain, but Jensen believed the girl was blessed. “Caroline asked me to preside. It was an honor. We broadcast it for distant family and friends.” His head hung, looking at his own hands abandoned in his lap. As much as Natalie did not want comfort, his needed to comfort someone. The Carpenters served that for him, and it was his pleasure to be a small life raft in any way possible these past few weeks.
Because to love was to worry. “Do you know what the Bible’s most common repeated saying is?” His tone drawled with heavy accent, but it lacked even an ounce of condescension. He always found the answer odd, that a collection of works most important to the Hebrews was not to uphold law, love each other, or even love their maker. “It’s ‘do not be afraid.’ That makes us think that the greatest force on earth is not love, but rather, it’s fear. This might break him. If it does, I won't abandon the pieces.” Then, after a moment, he added, "we won't."
Waves of the power echoed in the distance. Jay’s hold on the Gift was expanding to greater strength. Every few moments, Jensen winced with the sudden surges, as if he could watch what unfolded with the inner sense of horror. It dredged his soul, knowing what was happening, and knowing that he spurred Jay to action. The whole of this bloody ordeal would taint Jensen’s soul, but he accepted the dark lacquer willingly, if only to spare others from further pain.
The final question left him tight-lipped. Cayli was old enough to make her destination in the afterlife uncertain, but Jensen believed the girl was blessed. “Caroline asked me to preside. It was an honor. We broadcast it for distant family and friends.” His head hung, looking at his own hands abandoned in his lap. As much as Natalie did not want comfort, his needed to comfort someone. The Carpenters served that for him, and it was his pleasure to be a small life raft in any way possible these past few weeks.