Shake it off. It was just a dream.
I’m about to go to Javier’s church and don’t want anything to deter me from seeing if the place is a better fit for me. I drain the last bit of coffee as Luke stops in front of the building.
“Service should end around eleven thirty,” I inform the driver.
“See you then.”
“Thanks.” I step out of the vehicle and scan the crowd. Technically I don’t need to search for Val. After all, she promised to meet me out front. Still, I can’t help wishing to be the one who spots her first.
If youdo,how will you explain that?
Right. I rub my beard. The guys have started the no-shave–playoff beards, and though I’m not playing, Raimo reminded me I’m still part of the team. My thoughts drift back to Val. She’s now part of my team, so maybe I should just tell her what the doc said. She would want to know how my vision has been changing ever since. It’s just I’m afraid to voice my desires, fearing they’ll fade quicker than a wave of a dog’s tail.
“Jabari!”
I study the crowd but can’t make anyone out. Frustration clamors at me, but I push the emotion away. If I don’t settle down, Val will know something’s wrong. So I shove my cheeks upward and walk toward her voice.
“Morning,” Val says breathlessly, suddenly at my side.
“Good morning.”
“I already saw Javier. He’s saving us seats with him and Yas.”
“Great. Lead the way.” I wink at her.
Is she blushing right now? Val seems like the type, based on the brief glimpse I saw almost a week ago.
As soon as we near the doors, we’re greeted with a welcome. The vibe is already different from Val’s church. My shoulders aren’t as tense, and I don’t feel the presence of stares as if people are wondering why I’m here. Had I felt judged at her church? And if so, was it real or my own projections?
“Yo, man, you made it.” Javier slaps my back.
“Thanks for the invite.”
“Of course. Want to come over after for lunch? Yas’s got some food in the slow cooker.”
I turn to Val. “You want?” I speak low and for her ears only.
“Yeah, sounds nice,” she replies softly.
“Thanks. We’ll be there.”
We take our seats right as one of the pastors introduces himself and leads us in prayer. Bowing my head feels different from the last time I stepped foot in a church. I’m no longer skeptical. I know God is watching over me regardless of if I’m sighted or not. My mind quiets as I listen to the words, and something in my heart—maybe my spirit?—seems to still as well.
The choir begins singing, and chills immediately cover my arms. They sound great. It’s easy for me to clap along with everyone else, and before long, I lose myself in the songs, in the atmosphere that resides in this whole building. I’m not sure how to describe the vibe other than to say itliterallyfeels like God’s in the church with us.
The pastor’s words hold my attention, and when he encourages people who are believing in God for the first time to come up for prayer, that nudge is back. The same sensation that told me to pray in the hospital. It’s insistent, and I can’t ignore it. Don’twantto ignore it. I’m on my feet before I’m cognizant of the fact.
Val gasps, and I hold out my hand. I’m not sure if she’ll comewith me, but something tells me I want her here for this. Her soft palm glides against mine, and I interlace our fingers as we make our way toward the front.
“Welcome, my son,” a mature woman’s voice greets me. “Is this your first time in a church?” she asks softly.
“Second,” I reply in the same tone. “I, uh, I believe. I told God I’d submit to His authority, but I felt like I was supposed to come down here for prayer.”
“I see. Is this your wife?”
“Girlfriend,” Val replies. “I’m Val, and this is Jabari.”
“It’s lovely to meet you both. I’m Elaine. How can I pray for you?”
