Page 2 of Home for Justice
She leaned forward and patted his arm. “You’ll make it. You’ll make it in time.”
“How do you know?” Even as the question left his lips, he wanted to pull the words back in. Asking was acknowledging that she might know something, which, of course, was impossible.
Her lips curved gently. “What you seek will be there waiting for you.”
The air rushed from his lungs, and his knees almost buckled. He managed to lock his legs in place to stay standing.
“Have you ever read Leo Buscaglia?”
His mouth opened, but no words came forth. Instead, he simply shook his head.
“He was an author, a motivational speaker, and a professor in the Department of Special Education at the University of Southern California.”
Still having no response, he nodded.
“He was the first to speak about, write about, and promote humanity's need for hugs.” Blessing smiled up at him, her hand still resting gently on his arm. As small as she was compared to him, he could feel her fingers offering warmth through the touch.
“H-hugs, ma’am?” he stuttered, embarrassed that he was rattled.
“Leo said, ‘Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.’” She patted his arm again. “I like to shorten it by saying not to underestimate the power of a touch, which has the potential to turn your life around.” She nodded as though particularly pleased with herself. “Oh yes… you’ll find what you seek.”
Before he could respond—if there was a response to offer—she turned and pointed at a door leading into a lounge. Plush leather sofas faced each other with a recliner against the wall. Another man was sitting there with a working dog at his feet.
“This room will be a much better place for you to wait,” Blessing said. She looked at the other man. “Seth, this is Tyler Marconi, retired Army. He’s waiting for his flight to Montana.”
Then, turning, she smiled. “I’ll let you know when your flight is ready to leave.” She disappeared, leaving Tyler staring after her, strangely comforted by her words.
He walked over as Seth stood, and they shook hands. The beautiful dog next to Seth was instantly on alert.
“It’s okay, bud,” Seth said.
Tyler inclined his head downward. “He’s wearing an MWD harness.”
Seth chuckled. “Yep. He’s going to South Dakota with me. He’s retired, too.”
Tyler smiled briefly and glanced at his phone as the two men sat.
“Montana home for you?” Seth asked.
“Yeah.” Tyler looked at the dog, feeling the tightness in his chest ease slightly. “Is it okay to pet him?”
“Sure. His name is Gomer,” Seth said.
Tyler stretched his hand out for Gomer to smell, which he did. Then he ran his fingers over the dog’s head. Gomer’s mouth opened, and his tongue lolled out. Tyler smiled. “He’s beautiful.” Tyler glanced at his phone and dropped it on his lap, still petting Gomer.
“Everything okay?”
Tyler glanced at Seth and then focused on Gomer, petting him as he spoke. "My gramps... the last of my family... he's in the hospital and they say he doesn't have long. I was in the middle of out-processing from Fort Moore when I got the call."
"Shit, dude. I'm sorry, man. They'll get the flights going soon. If we’re on the same flight, I’ll make sure you get a seat, even if I have to give up mine."
Tyler looked up, a mixture of surprise and gratitude on his face. "She said I'd make it.” He paused, then added, "Blessing. I didn't say anything to her, but she seemed to know and said I'd make it in time."
Seth nodded. “She seems to know a lot that no one tells her. Trust that feeling in your gut. I plan on it.”
Tyler’s phone rang, and he jumped up, his gut twisting. He walked out while answering the phone. Pacing, he talked to the nurse who had been his constant source of information. Finally, getting the assurance he needed, he walked back into the library.
“Everything okay?”
