Page 59 of Abandoned

Zara used her inhaler.

AJ said, “Guys, get out for a moment and let Zara put some clothes on.”

Will went to step away, but Zara grabbed his arm. He said, “It’s okay. I’ll be right outside the door.”

She nodded and reluctantly let go of him.

A female EMT stayed in the bedroom as well to check Zara for injuries.

Will followed the rest of the men out of the room. The firefighters left the apartment.

Will stayed close to the door. He wanted to be within reach as soon as Zara came out of the room. Waiting to hold her was torturous. Had she actually been surprised that he came? Did she not realize that people cared about her?

How much damage had being trapped in that bathroom done to her mental state? For someone with a fear so strong that they removed the doors from all their closets, this experience could break them. Would she be okay?

Zara pulled on a T-shirt and a pair of cotton shorts and hugged herself. Her head was a jumbled mess. Not only from the trauma but also from the lack of sleep.

The EMT said, “I think you’ll be okay. Your inhaler seems to have done the trick for your breathing, but if it continues to be a problem, go to the ER to get some oxygen or possibly a breathing treatment.”

Zara nodded.

AJ thanked the EMT as she left and turned to Zara. “What do you need?”

Zara shrugged. She put her fingers together and touched them to her lips.

“Food? Okay, come on.” AJ led Zara out of the bedroom and into Will’s waiting arms.

Will pulled her close. “I gotcha.” He led her to the couch.

A group of crime-scene techs came into the apartment and began their job.

A couple of people were talking to AJ in the kitchen. So much was going on around the room.

Logan stood over by the air conditioner.

Will said, “Logan, the breaker box is in the bedroom closet.”

“On it.” Logan disappeared into the bedroom.

She sat on the couch beside Will. He kept his arms around her, and she leaned her head on his shoulder.

“How are you doing?”

Not knowing how to respond, she half shrugged.

Will tucked his head close to hers, and with a voice that was only loud enough for her ears, he prayed. “Father in heaven, please come and settle Zara’s heart and mind. Help her. Give her peace and comfort. Remind her that You are always with her.”

That was it. She needed Jesus. Why didn’t I pray? All that time in the bathroom, she should have been calling out to her heavenly Father, but she hadn’t. She’d forgotten. Please Father, change me. I need You. I need to remember that You aren’t like my earthly dad. Help me to learn to call out to You all the time.

“Thank you.” Her voice was rough and barely audible.

“Anytime.”

AJ came around the end of the couch. “Here you go.” She set a container of vanilla Greek yogurt, a bowl of blueberries, and a mug of steaming tea on the coffee table in front of Zara.

Will laughed. “Isn’t it hot enough in here already?”

AJ shook her head. “The hot liquid will help her throat and voice.”