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It is almost as if I can hear the words spoken audibly. I feel around, but no one is here. Only this wicked veil of shadows.
Even in your darkest moment, you are not alone.
My father’s words, long since folded away in my childhood memories.
I suck in wretched breaths and push them out again in slow exhales. The smallest measure of calm returns as the knowledge of the Highest’s nearness holds the ténesomni back. I look around, waiting for my eyes to see what’s around me.
How could I have been so absorbed in my prayers that I didn’t even realize where I was? I have ended up right on Orlagh’s doorstep.
He hears me.
Relief covers me like a warm blanket. I scramble up the steps and pound on her door.
No answer. I bang again and again and again.
Still, nothing.
An exasperated sound drags itself out of my throat, and I crumple.
“Wehna?”
Like a sharp-edged sword, the word dismembers my fears from reality. I stare into the gloom, tremulous hope flaring.
The glow of a lantern illuminates Orlagh’s hunched form, holding tightly to the hand of a tiny person.
“Arvo,” I gasp, tripping off the landing.
The diminutive shape frees himself from the woman’s grip and hurtles toward me. I gather him into my arms, my tears flowing freely into the softness of his neck.
His words muffle against my shoulder. “I’m sorry, Wehna,” he sobs.
“It’s alright. You’re alright.”
I hold his face in my hands and look at him when Orlagh catches up, holding her light out so we can see.
“Where did you go, little fledgling?” I can hardly speak, my heart pumps so hard.
“I just wanted to hide from you and eat my pie. But when I ate it, I didn’t know where I was.”
Tears gather in his huge eyes. His bottom lip quivers. I pass a hand over his damp brow as fresh tears of my own crawl down my cheeks.
“I was scared, but I remembered Pada’s promise that—that—the Highest is always with me, even when I don’t think he can see me.”
My arms wrap around him again, and I breathe in the sweet scent of his curls.
“You’re absolutely right, Vo.”
He pushes back. “I wasn’t afraid anymore. And I asked him to help me find the light.”
I draw in a long breath, amazed I am getting lessons in faith from a five-year-old. My soul sings to Elyon.You really do care about the smallest sparrow.
“Then this girl found me. When she came close, the darkness backed away.”
He sniffs loudly and wipes his nose with the back of a hand. “I went with her.”
I cock my head, trying to make sense of what he’s telling me. “Did ... did this girl have a name?”
His head shakes fast. “She never told me.” Worry shines in his green eyes. “Did I do something bad, Wehna? I made sure I didn’t tell her anything about me, like you told me. She was so nice. She made me feel not afraid.”
