Page 100 of Hidden Chance

Jemi’s eyes drifted to the floor. “Then I am sorry. We can pray that he doesn’t, but God will help us through. No matter what.”

“When my dad died, I was there. I saw it.”

“I know.”

“I had never felt so helpless in my entire life. I prayed and prayed that God would do something—I don’t know if I can go through that again. I can tell myself that God is here, but my heart struggles.”

“That is why the Bible tells us to not lean on our own understanding. It’s not about how you feel. It’s about what you know the truth to be. Are you willing to stand on the truth?”

“I think so. I’ll try.”

“Good. I’ll be praying for your safety.”

“And I’ll be praying for yours.”

Jemi nodded. “We should sing a hymn.”

“Now?”

“It’s what Paul and Silas did when they were in thedarkest part of the dungeon. It’s what I did with the women to keep them from despair.”

“What hymn should we sing?”

“Do you know ‘How Great Thou Art’?”

“Of course.”

“Oh Lord, my God.”Jemi had a rich, deep voice that filled the room. “When I in awesome wonder consider all the worlds thy hands have made.”It took Hannah several lines before her voice stopped trembling, and she felt her heart strengthen. She clung to the feeling, knowing it probably wouldn’t last, but it warmed her now. She welcomed the freedom from fear for as long as it lasted and wondered if it’s what Paul and Silas had felt.

As they continued to worship, her mind went back to the moment when she’d known her dad was gone. At the time, she’d said Jesus’s name over and over again as the men and boys had stood over her father, watching him cough up blood. They’d waited until he breathed his last breath, and all she could do was watch in silence, unable to help.

They finished the song, and, without taking a breath, Hannah continued with another, skipping to the third verse of Amazing Grace. The one she needed the most.

“The Lord hath promised good to me, His word my hope secures; He will my shield and portion be as long as life endures.”

Chapter 25

The door opened,and Hannah’s resolve faltered as Zin came into the room with his hands on his hips. He focused on Jemi and sighed, then turned to a small woman who had entered behind him.

“Clean her up. But don’t take too long.”

As the woman reached for Jemi’s face with a wet rag, Jemi looked her in the eyes. The woman trembled as she wiped away the blood.

“What’s your name?” Jemi said.

“Don’t talk to her.” Zin walked over and kicked the leg of her chair. “You’re not here to make friends.”

A man appeared in the door. “They’re ready.”

“Good.” He slapped the woman in the back of the head. “You’re done here. Get out.”

Hannah could see the twitch in Jemi’s cheek as she clenched her teeth. Her eyes burned into Zin. “Let’s get this over with,” she said with a snarl.

“I thought you were looking forward to it. Why the sudden change of heart?”

“No one in their right mind would look forward to this.”

“I suppose that’s true. But don’t forget, if you try anything at any time, we will shoot you in the leg and cut off your arms. That way, we can keep you alive long enough to torture you. Understood?” He looked at each of them until they nodded. “Good. You first.” He pointed at Jemi.

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