Page 19 of Hidden Depths

“Do I?”

“Yeah, like you’re floating.”

“I feel like I’m floating. I don’t know how I can ever thank you. Both of you, really. I had no idea how locked up I was. Well, that’s not true. I knew I was. I just didn’t know it was possible to get out, or that it would be so…I don’t even have a word for it.”

“The Lord works in mysterious ways,” Margaret said.

“He knew I was ready. In fact, I guess He’s the one who got me ready. It’s like I’ve started a whole new life.”

“One thing before you go.”

“Yeah?”

“I’m glad you feel so wonderful, and I hope it stays with you for a while, but it’s not like this all the time. It’s important you know that. Be aware that the fear may try to gain entry into your life again. You don’t have to worry about it; you just have to be ready so you can tell it to get lost.”

“Really? You think it could come back?”

“It does that,” Frank said.

“That feels impossible right now. I promise you, I haven’t felt this good…ever.”

“Still,” Margaret gave her a squeeze. “I thought it best to tell you, so you recognize if it does.”

“Now you’ve got me worried.”

“Don’t be. I told you. Just be prepared.”

“And what if it does?”

“Don’t let it in.”

“That’s it?”

“You’ve got God’s spirit inside of you. You can stand against it. Trust Him.”

“Right. Sounds simple enough.”

“More or less. But we’re here if you need anything. If you need to talk, call me anytime. Don’t make excuses about why you shouldn’t bother us. Please bother us.”

“I will.”

“Can we expect to see you next week?”

“Definitely.”

* * *

Sara spent the next couple days in a state of weightlessness. She didn’t care what happened to her because she felt safe for the first time in years. The smile didn’t leave her face, she assumed, even while she slept, since she woke up with it after a deep, restful sleep.

Food tasted better, the ocean’s emerald shimmer looked brighter, and she could finally look people in the eye.

Threading her way through the market stalls at the waterfront, she took a small teddy from a high shelf that a kid was reaching for.

“You wanted to have a look at this?” she said, crouching down.

The kid snatched the toy.

“Uh-oh, now you’ve done it,” said the boy’s mom.

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