WEB NOVEL: SET APART

Written by Abby Caymol

I haven’t gone out with my friends in a while. Today was the second time I’ve hung out with them since moving to Seattle less than a year ago. Going to clubs or parties isn’t my thing,  “Change of plan!” Eden interjected with annoyance. “What do you mean change of plan?” Jacob asked. “We’re no longer going to the Cornelius Lounge. Instead, we’re planning to go to Paradaiseu BBQ Restaurant,” Eden explained. “Oh, cool! I want some BBQ tonight!” Elijah said enthusiastically. “And some soju, too,” he added with a grin.

Eden exclaimed, “You guys are making me hungry right now! Stop it!” I agreed with her silently, and yes, much better. I like it better than going to any party. I’d rather eat and converse with a little bit of socializing instead. Eden asked for feedback, “Jeremiah? Paradaiseu BBQ is okay? Any comments?” I replied, “Oh yeah, I like it better.” Eden confirmed, “So, everyone is cool with that. Good! Let’s meet up around 8 pm at the restaurant. Okay, guys?” We all agreed and ended the video chat.

As I entered the restaurant, I saw my friends and colleagues from work. They waved at me, and the smell of barbeque made my mouth water. Some customers were swirling their soju bottles, creating a whirlpool inside, ready to drink. Laughter filled the air, and everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves. I felt content and happy. I greeted everyone with a cheerful “Hi, guys!” and sat down to check the menu. The deep-fried chicken with salt and lemon flavor looked delicious and would pair perfectly with some soju. My stomach grumbled, and I realized how hungry I was. As my friends discussed various topics, I placed my order.

After waiting for 15 minutes, our food arrived. Everyone was happy with their orders, and we happily ate together. It was a moment of pure joy, almost like an angel had passed. As we ate, everyone was quiet until one of our co-workers brought up The Fruit App. “Guys, I downloaded the app!” my colleague exclaimed, and everyone agreed that they had downloaded it too. We all followed each other’s accounts in The Fruit. Suddenly, our lead officer, Mendoza, mentioned someone from the airport who does reels. “Hey, I’ve noticed someone from the airport making content on The Fruit. I see her occasionally at the checkpoint areas, and all her content is about God,” he explained. “What’s the username?” Eden asked. “TheGospelSharer07,” he replied. “Let me check out her reels,” she said.

I am just listening to the conversation. I hear a woman’s voice sharing the gospel in the video. Suddenly, Eden exclaimed, “Oh wait, I think I know her! She works at one of the wheelchair companies.” Elijah agreed with Eden and said, “Yes, I’ll follow her. I don’t put my real name and face on The Fruit.” Eden explained to Jacob, “Okay, I’ll follow her too! My username is HeyitsMiaka.” Elijah commented, “My username is UrboyNobita1.” Jacob then responded, “My username is GokuSonYow.” They all looked at me and asked, “How about you, Jeremiah?” I replied, “I haven’t decided yet, plus I haven’t downloaded the app.” Everyone said okay and went back to talking with each other. I finished my deep-fried chicken and soju, and we all went home stuffed and happy.

Abrielle

“Dad, Mama Selam has a doctor’s appointment on my day off. She’s been complaining about pain in her leg, so I offered to take her to the doctor,” I explained. 

“Okay, I hope they can give her medicine to ease her leg pain. I remember you telling me a couple of weeks ago that the previous medication they gave her didn’t work. I hope it will work this time,” Dad responded with concern. 

As we talked, my phone suddenly rang with a notification from The Fruit app, indicating that I had gained new followers. Excitedly, I told my dad, “Dad, please excuse me. I’ll go to my room to check it out.” 

“Okay,” Dad replied. 

I went to my room and sat at my study table to check the new followers’ usernames. “Oh, they have nice usernames,” I thought as I read through them individually.

I have these followers on my social media account: HeyitsMiaka, GokuSonYow, UrboyNobita1, Thebestamongdarest, Toguro26, GhostYusukeUrameshi07, SailorMars, and Username0543777, who followed me yesterday. I noticed that all their usernames are from famous anime shows from the 90s, like Fushigi Yuugi, Ghost Fighter, Sailor Moon, and Doraemon. I’m curious to know where the other followers got their names. I hope they appreciate the message from God that I share through my reels. I received a few likes from them, and as I was checking my phone, I received another notification from “Godlovesyou7.” Their profile picture says, “I love Jesus.” But then, I noticed something strange. All of these people have the same profile picture! It’s unusual for a group of people to have the same profile picture, and it’s even stranger that most of them have usernames from the same anime TV show. Do they all know each other?

I can’t help but overthink, but I’m trying not to. Maybe it’s just a coincidence. Regardless, I’m happy someone is interested in watching an encouraging message about God. While getting ready for bed, I received a message from Username0543777 on The Fruit platform. They said hello, and I responded in kind. “Thank you for sharing God’s word,” they wrote. “I needed it lately because I’ve been so confused, and the word of God has been enlightening.” I was filled with joy when I read their message. I could feel their sincerity and openness when they shared their struggles. “I’m glad that I could help,” I replied. “I prayed for you, and I thank God for this platform. May He inspire you to listen more to His word. Always remember, there is nothing our God cannot do. He loves you, and He sees you.” They thanked me, and we ended the conversation.

I closed the app and put my phone in “Do not disturb” mode. I was exhausted today because the fall season has been hectic lately. Before I doze off, I will say my prayers to the Lord.

“Dear Heavenly Father, I praise You for everything You do for me and my Dad. I pray for Mama Selam; please heal her legs. May the new medicine finally work for her. I believe that Your stripes will heal her. I praise You, Lord, for moving the heart of Username0543777. Please show them Your direction so they can clear the road they are taking. Lord, please give them comfort. I pray for all the new followers in The Fruit App. May You guide their minds and hearts to protect them from everything You don’t want for them. I love You, Lord, and bring You all the highest praises. In Jesus’ powerful name, amen.”

After saying my prayers, I hugged my pillow and dozed off.