Web Novel: SET APART

Written by Abby Caymol

Jeremiah

I need to find a place to live near the airport. Employee parking is always packed in the mornings, and finding a good parking spot seems impossible. I need to catch the bus by 11:30 am, and it’s always a struggle to make it on time. I had to run daily to get to the bus, and today was no exception. 

Eden called me on the phone, “Jeremiah! Where are you, bro?” 

“I’m here, just looking for a spot. Is Elijah there already? How about Jacob?” I asked, feeling hurried.

“We’re all here! The bus will arrive in 7 minutes. If we’re late again, Mendoza will grill us again,” Eden reminded me. 

As I looked up, I saw the bus coming, so I quickly exited the car and ran frantically to catch it.

My friends waved at me and suggested that we sit at the back. Once we sat down, we started discussing work when Elijah mentioned a new social media platform called “The Fruit.” “Guys, there’s a new app where you can download reels and long videos,” he explained. “Have you guys downloaded it?” Eden asked. “No, I haven’t. It’s pretty new, so something must still be under construction. I’ll wait until more people download it,” Jacob explained.

I only have one social media account, and I rarely use it. Instead, I prefer to read blogs and watch videos. However, I need to do something other than socialize either in person or online,” I thought to myself. 

Suddenly, Eden said, “Oh, hey! Some of our colleagues are planning to go out on Saturday! Do you guys want to come?” 

Elijah replied, “I’m cool with that.” 

“Okay, so let’s meet at The Cornelius down South,” Eden suggested. “Jeremiah, you better show up on Saturday. You need to loosen up, bro. Have fun!” 

I smirked. I’m not really into parties, but one night won’t hurt. I just hope it won’t be too crowded. “No meeting up with someone, no vices, just one drink,” I thought.

Abrielle

Hi Mama Selam! I’m downstairs,” I called out.

“Okay, I’m almost done preparing your lunch. I’ll be there in a minute,” Mama Selam replied. Mama Selam is one of my co-workers, and we’ve been working together for many years. She’s like a grandmother to me, always cooking for and caring for me. We often go grocery shopping and talk about life over a plate of injera, an Ethiopian delicacy.

“If my mom were still here, she would love Mama Selam too,” I thought.

“Yey! My favorite Doro Wat!” I exclaimed excitedly.

“I knew you would love it. I added a lot of lentils to your Doro Wat to give you more nutrients,” Mama Selam said with care.

“Aww, amaseganalo, Mama! Ewdeshalehu,” I said with teary eyes. (Thank you, Mama. I love you.) “Now, let’s go to work before we get late,” she added

During lunchtime at work, I sat with my best friend Charity and our friend Jethro. We enjoyed a meal together, and I shared some of Mama Selam’s cooking with them. While chatting about something, Charity reminded me of a suggestion she had made the day before.

“Have you downloaded The Fruit app yet, bestie?” she asked me.

“I have, but I’m still navigating the app. My profile and account are still under construction, so I’m still learning,” I explained.

“The app is a fantastic tool for sharing the gospel. You can upload one-minute reels; many would watch them over a 15-minute vlog. People these days prefer watching reels,” she told me.

“That’s a good point,” I agreed.

“What’s your username on The Fruit?” Charity asked me.

“TheGospelSharer07,” I replied.

“Nice! That’s a catchy username. Try to upload some reels tonight, and let me know how it goes. I’ll check them out,” Charity instructed me.

While brushing my teeth at home, I started uploading some short videos I had created. Suddenly, I received a notification from The Fruit app on my phone and was surprised to see it. I used the hashtag “Pike Market” in my video, which must have led to a quick viewer response, as someone was searching for Pike Market then. As I continued to upload my videos, I watched the one I had uploaded earlier from Matthew 6:24, which reminded us that we cannot serve God and money. Then, I received another notification from someone who had watched my video and liked it. I prayed that this person had been encouraged by what they saw. Just as I was about to finish, I received another notification from the same viewer who watched my video of Proverbs 17:22, which reminds us that a joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit can dry up the bones.

I received another view and liked my video. I uploaded five reels, and this person viewed two of them. I wondered who this “User0543777” might be. They liked Matthew 6:24 and Proverbs 17:22. Could they struggle with deciding who they should let rule their life? Maybe they are battling a spiritual battle, and their heart is already affected. These thoughts crossed my mind with concern. Charity was right. Social media is a powerful tool to share the gospel. I couldn’t help but think about this particular user and their spiritual journey.

As I gazed through my open window, I was surprised to see multiple stars shining bright above me. This is a rare sight here in Seattle, and it gave me a sense of hope. The view was perfect for me to have a conversation with God. The night was calm and relaxed, and I was soaking in the moment.

“Lord, there are many things that I am thankful for today. Thank you for blessing me with friends like Charity and Mama Selam, who are like family. I appreciate Charity, and I’s godly friendship, and I’m grateful that You brought us together at work and in the Church. I’m also grateful for Mama Selam’s motherly love and care despite having a daughter who lives far away. I pray for User0543777. I don’t know what struggles this person faces, but You know their heart. I pray that You will govern their heart and provide comfort to them. May Your word be the medicine for their heart. I humbly ask this in Your powerful name, Jesus. Amen.”

After finishing my prayer, I closed my window and blinds and turned on my fairy lights. I finally had a battery for them. I snuggled under my blanket and called it a night.