Page 22 of Rescued Duty

“Nay.” Ingram stopped walking and embraced Naya, squeezing her shoulders. “It sucks sometimes. It was never meant to be this way.”

Naya held on to her friend. “No, it wasn’t.” She leaned her head back and chuckled. “But who am I to throw darts at God and blame Him? God didn’t promise us a grand life.”

Ingram offered her a soft smile. “He doesn’t expect you to endure the hardships alone, either. Jesus is acquainted with your suffering. He’s with you every step. And so am I.” Ingram clasped Naya’s hand.

One day eternity would come, and the perfect wholeness Naya longed for would be a reality. Until then she’d keep preaching the truth to herself, even when her heart didn’t catch up right away.

Naya lifted her gaze to the never-ending array of rocks and trees that littered the final ascent to the overlook. “This last stretch always seems daunting.”

“That’s what you say until you get to the view.” Ingram propped her hands on a rock and hoisted herself up. “One step at a time.”

Just like her faith walk. One step at a time. One day her faith would turn to sight.

“Are you sure you’re okay?” Ingram stood still, her eyebrows raised.

“I have to be.” Naya smiled through clenched teeth. She stepped from one boulder to the next.

“That didn’t answer my question.” Ingram propped her hands on her hips. “This story and those memories.”

Of course Ingram would probe deeper. When all Naya had ever known growing up was rejection by those around her, Ingram had stood by her.

And Zack.

Naya rubbed her wrist, then realized what she was doing. “Seeing Zack again after all these years has added another layer of complication.”

Ingram rolled her eyes. “Boys are always complicated.” She winked.

Naya smiled. She appreciated her friend’s attempt to lighten the mood. “Zack is a part of my past, though.” He might have been her second brother. From another mother. But he’d eventually left too, and she couldn’t risk the hurt again. Aside from their brief run-ins, and a slip in her judgment to let him help her paint, she planned to stay as far away from him as possible.

“I can’t allow myself to go back to that time in life.” Or else it would eat her alive. “I need to focus on this story and see it through. For Dom’s sake.”

Ingram slowed to a stop. “Mm-hmm.”

Naya gritted her teeth and dug her heels into the crevices between the rocks. She pushed herself up with her hands andscaled the remainder of the trail. “What happened then is all the more reason to find the truth now. Especially if it will save someone from the same fate I had to endure.”

“Well then, you have my support.” Ingram smiled. “Whatever happens, I’m here.”

Naya braced her arms on her hips to catch her breath. “Thanks.”

She pivoted a few feet to admire the overlook. Hundreds of trees dotted the horizon with their green leaves in different hues. The sun cast a golden spotlight on a section to Naya’s left, while the other half of the trees were a darker green from the shadows. A subtle visual that spoke volumes to Naya’s heart.

A gentle reminder from the Lord.

“Wow, it’s stunning.” Ingram made a full turn to admire the view.

“You don’t say.” Naya stared, soaking in every detail.

“Look how far you’ve come.” Ingram smiled.

Naya couldn’t help seeing the correlation to her life. She wasn’t the same little girl who had prayed for Dom to live.

A buzzing made Naya jump and pulled her from her thoughts.

“Sorry.” Ingram bit her lip. She pulled out her phone, then slapped her hand against her forehead. “Good thing I had my reminder set. I almost forgot. Will had plans for us to go see a movie tomorrow night, and he wanted me to order the tickets.”

Naya chuckled. “And he couldn’t do it because…”

“I’m the rewards member.” Ingram rolled her eyes. “Gotta get those points for discounts.” She tapped a few buttons before a sigh escaped. “And there’s no cell service up here.”

---