Page 159 of Healing Eleanor

“I actually think I’m going to get out here,” I blurt, fumbling in my purse for cash.

The driver turns, brows raised. “You sure? Your stop’s still a ways off.”

“I’m sure,” I say, pressing the bills into his hand before I lose my nerve. “Keep the change.”

Before he can argue, I push the door open, cold air rushing in. Hobbling onto the sidewalk, I head toward the crosswalk, the church rising ahead of me, waiting like it’s been placed in my path on purpose.

Last week, when I told Lily I’d been reading her Bible, she nearly screamed with joy and immediately invited me to church. At the time, I declined. I’d never gone before, and my only exposure to it had been in movies, and most of the time, it wasn’t good.

But standing in front of the building now… all I feel is peace. Like I belong here. Nerves simmer beneath my skin, but for the first time, I feel ready to take this unexpected step of faith.

Inside, a friendly woman wearing a lanyard greets me with a warm smile and a simple, hello. She hands me a piece of cardstock labeled notes and guides me toward the doors of a large room.

The music is already playing. The bass vibrates through the walls, pulsing under my skin. When the doors open, I step inside and immediately recognize the voice over the microphone. Dillon.

His voice is mesmerizing, every word seeming to pour straight from his soul. I scan the room, awestruck. The space is dark, but scattered lights move in every direction, illuminating faces lifted in praise. Hands reach upward, hearts pouring out.

I stand there, probably looking foolish, but I don’t care. I’m captivated.

The music quiets, and Dillon says a prayer. Once he finishes, the lights gradually brighten, and the congregation begins to take their seats.

I spot Lily in the front row, and our eyes meet just as she’s about to take her seat.

I raise a hand in an awkward wave and mouth, “Hi.”

Her eyes widen, and she elbows the man next to her, whispering something quickly.

He rubs his arm, turning toward me.

It’s Nik.

His eyes mirror Lily’s, and his mouth parts slightly, as if shock freezes him momentarily.

A gentle hand rests on my shoulder. “Can I help you find a seat?”

I turn to see another woman wearing a lanyard, her smile warm and welcoming.

I scan the room and spot an open seat just a few feet away. “I’ll sit here,” I say quickly, heading toward it, choosing the spot next to a kind-looking elderly lady.

When I settle in, she extends her hand. “Mabel,” she greets in a soft whisper.

I take her hand and shake it lightly. “Eleanor,” I whisper back.

“I haven’t seen you here before,” she says, leaning in slightly. “I just wanted to welcome you.”

My chest swells with a gentle warmth. “Thank you,” I say, earnestly.

I scan the front row for Lily, and when I spot her, she and Nik are whispering intensely.

They keep exchanging hurried words, Nik seemingly trying to get her to stop. I realize they’re talking about me when Lily gestures in my direction. What could they possibly be saying?

But I can’t dwell on it. The service begins. Offerings are gathered, and the pastor steps onto the stage, bowing his head in prayer before preaching.

“Welcome everyone, I’m so glad you’re here,” the pastor begins. I try to focus on his words, but my eyes keep drifting to Lily and Nik, who continue their quiet back-and-forth until Nik says something that finally ends it.

“Today we will continue with our series, ‘Within the Soul,’” the pastor announces, and this time I give him my full attention. I won’t let anything distract me. Not Nik, not Lily, and certainly not the lingering tension between us.

“When you’ve had a rough day, what do you do for a pick-me-up?” he asks, pacing across the stage. “Do you grab a coffee, listen to music, or go for a walk? Or do you turn to prayer? Perhaps play your favorite worship song?”