WEB NOVEL: SET APART

Written by Abby Caymol | Apr 5, 2024

Abrielle

“Abrielle! I got you the sheet masks you like!” exclaimed Eun-yeong. “Wow! This is a lot! You got me so many masks! I’m so excited to use them!” I responded with excitement. Eun-Yeong and I have been friends for a year and a half now. She has a bubbly personality and is fun to be around. Since she started working in our company, Charity, Jethro, and I have been blessed to have such a cheerful friend. She adds color to our friendship. “How was your trip?” I asked her. “It was fun! I had a blast trying all the street food in Seoul,” she happily replied. “That’s great to hear! Next time, let’s go together,” I suggested. “That’s a nice idea,” she replied. Eun-Yeong then asked me about Jeremiah, but unfortunately, I still had no updates to share.

“Girl, you’re hella slow,” she commented. “Well, I’m not in a competition, and the guy doesn’t even know me. It’s kind of awkward to talk to him out of nowhere.” We laughed. “Don’t worry, I’ll try to talk to him next time I see him,” she offered. “Oh, please, no! It’s okay; I’m not in a rush to be friends,” I explained. Eun-Yeong just laughed at the idea, and we moved on to a different topic. When she left for her assignment, I went to the gate and spotted Mama Selam sitting. I apologized for not coming to her place in the morning last time. Mama Selam told me that the medication from the previous check-up they prescribed for her legs only took effect at first, but later, it ended up not working at all. I asked her if she was on a lunch break, and when she said yes, I asked for the number of the clinic and called them.

I felt bewildered when the scheduler informed me that Mama Selam’s next appointment was with the cancer department. My heart started racing, but this time, it wasn’t because of Jeremiah – I was terrified for Mama Selam. The phone was not on loudspeaker, so she couldn’t hear what the scheduler and I discussed. After hanging up, I am unsure how I will convey this message to her. I prayed to God while I was on the line. Although I try to comprehend everything she explains, my mind is overloaded, and I can’t grasp the details. Many things are playing in my head simultaneously, and it’s not a good feeling. All I can hear is a long beeping sound, and it’s deafening. I am filled with fear.

After finishing a call, I gestured to Mama and said I would talk to her briefly. I then informed Mama Selam that I needed to take her to the cancer department for a check-up. I spoke to her with a heavy heart, and she bowed her head in silence. As a close friend, I could tell that Mama Selam was overthinking, and her heart was numb. “Mama, try not to overthink,” I comforted her. “The medical professionals are doing everything they can to help you. They need to examine you to come up with a better solution.” I explained. She nodded, and I left her a message that I would come back to see her after work to take her home.

As I walked away, I prayed to God again for Mama Selam. I opened my Bible app and searched for a verse I could meditate on because fear had started to creep in. Zephaniah 3:17 says, “The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love, he will no longer rebuke you but will rejoice over you with singing.” This verse assured me that God would not abandon Mama Selam and that he would save her no matter what the result. God’s love for humanity endures, and there is no suffering that God does not see. We are hurt, and so is God. He feels twice the pain. 

The Lord assures us that no one can save a crushed spirit but him. No one can make a person dwell in safety except through him. For God has heard our prayers and has seen our tears. These promises comforted me, knowing that God’s goodness was following Mama Selam and me, for we walk by faith, not by sight. I peeked through the big glass window, and the purplish-orange skies welcomed me. I love the sunset. God’s comfort for me is that the ending could be beautiful, and tomorrow is another day.

Jeremiah

“Hey bro, do you want to play billiards today?” Jacob asked me over the phone. “Probably not today; I have other plans,” I responded. “No problem, I’ll call Elijah and Eden to see if they’re available,” Jacob said. “I’m sorry; I’ll make it up to you next time,” I apologized, and he said it was okay. We hung up the phone. As I left the bookstore parking lot, I hurriedly ran towards the entrance to avoid getting wet from the rain. I walked to the shelves where I found various books about God and different versions of the Bible on the other side. I scanned through them and thought about getting one, but my mind changed.

I went to another bookshelf and searched for the book Abrielle was reading. When I found it, I went to the cashier and paid for it. I carried it carefully so it wouldn’t get wet in the rain. Once in my car, I glanced through the chapters and found one titled “Seeing Life From God’s View.” I looked up at the sky and took a moment to reflect on my life. How am I doing lately? I asked myself. I have so many questions, and although I get some answers, am I genuinely accepting the changes in my life? Am I absorbing the progress I’ve made? I’m scared of something that I haven’t fully understood yet. I needed someone who understood how I felt. I held the book tightly while looking at the beautiful purple skies. The sunset was satisfying at that moment. Finally, the rain had stopped. All I could see was the majestic view of the orange sunset. Purple and orange were intertwined, and it was impossible to set them apart. It was a great sign that someday, impossible things will be possible.