WEB NOVEL: SET APART

ABRIELLE

“Hi everyone! Welcome to Daily Love Talk! In 1 Corinthians 10:13a, ‘No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear.’ A self-pity is also an act of temptation. The enemy will lure you to focus on the things you don’t have rather than fixing your eyes on Jesus, who loves and sees your worth. The enemy will bring you down beyond your ability. Always remember that you are loved and you lack nothing. I hope you are encouraged today; God bless you, and have a great day!”

I was greatly encouraged today, and I want to share this on social media. I prayed that a motivational video would reach all those struggling with temptation. After praying, I showered and got ready for the day. It’s my day off, and although I’m feeling sad about not being able to see Jeremiah at the airport today, I plan to enjoy the day by visiting my favorite bubble tea place and spending time with God there. It’s like a date with Jesus. I’m also excited to pick up some books at the library. I can’t wait to read more about Christian singleness.

 I am interested in learning more about God’s heart and how single people navigate their season of singleness, especially in a world filled with temptation. I want to read testimonies from different authors about how they handle being single. Today, my encouragement video resonated with me, and I also thought about the books I plan to read in the upcoming weeks. As I was combing my hair, my phone suddenly rang. It was Charity calling unexpectedly. I was surprised as I didn’t expect her to call me back after I went quiet on the phone the other day when she openly rebuked me for focusing too much on liking Jeremiah rather than on my relationship with God.

“Hi, Abrielle. Do you have a minute to talk?” Charity’s rough voice welcomed me. I sensed something was wrong, and I could tell she was crying. She wanted to meet me in the park near my house and offered to pick her up. Without hesitation, I left the house immediately and drove to Charity’s house. I called her when I arrived to let her know I was outside. After a short wait, I saw her leaving the house. She was wearing a gray hoodie and sunglasses on a gloomy day. After she got into my car, I asked her if she was okay and what was wrong. “I just need to get out of that house, Abrielle,” she replied. I asked her where she wanted to go, and she said she just needed to be anywhere but near their house.

We drove to Des Moines Marina, and when we arrived at the beach park, it started to rain heavily. I was surprised and worried to see Charity remove her sunglasses and start sobbing, with her hands covering her face. “Charity! What happened?” I asked her, concerned. “Abrielle, I cheated on Uriah. I met a guy from the gym, and we started as friends. Then, one day, we went out with our other gym buddies for dinner. After dinner, we separated from them and went to Centurion Lounge. We both got drunk, checked into a nearby hotel, and then everything went out of control.” She explained while sobbing. I was shocked. I never thought Charity would do that to her husband, Uriah.

Their relationship and marriage serve as my inspiration. They are one of the best couples, and I admire them greatly. Charity loved Uriah deeply, and I know her well enough to say that she would never do anything to hurt anyone, especially her husband. “Charity, what have you done?” I asked her in despair, tears streaming down my face. “I’ve always told you to focus on God, especially because you like Jeremiah, but you never truly made friends with him. Now, I find myself ignoring my advice and being blind to the truth. I’m a terrible wife, Abrielle,” Charity blamed herself.

She crumpled her legs with her right hand. I told her to stop hurting herself because it would not make things right. I asked her if Uriah knew about it and if she confessed to him. “It just happened last night. I told him that I was at my co-worker’s house. I was drunk and wanted to spend the night there. Uriah wanted to pick me up, but I said he didn’t have to because I’d like to sleep over at my co-worker’s house since it was late at night already. Uriah and I have been so quiet for the whole week; we only talk if we need to say something to each other. I wanted intimacy between me and Uriah, Abrielle, but he wouldn’t give it to me as I was expecting. He’s always tired from work, and we only spend time together on his days off. We may have togetherness; yes, he’s the best husband, but when it comes to intimate acts, that’s where we lack.”

She continued, “It seems like he just wants to be comfortable. I felt dissatisfied, and I shouldn’t have felt that way. Instead of spending time with a guy from the gym and giving in to his temptation, I should communicate with him repeatedly about the issues in our marriage until he grows tired of me. I feel so powerless, Abrielle.” I’m still considering what advice I should give her, but I know that cheating is never the right choice. I feel empathy for Uriah and Charity. I can see the regret in her eyes for her actions. Despite Charity’s mistake, I know it also pains her.

Charity continued to weep. What she needs right now is not what I’m going to say but a tight hug and sincere support from a friend. I comforted her by gently caressing her back, and she hugged me instantly. Charity and Uriah together are like the melody that completes the song. They make a perfect harmony, and without one of them, the song feels incomplete. Perhaps even satisfying music could turn into a sad melody without their presence. As I hugged her tightly, my tears just kept falling. I can’t help but stare at this cold, pouring rain outside. My heart felt like it was being crumpled like paper. I closed my eyes, and Charity and I listened to the sad melody of the rain outside. When will the sun come out? I hope it is soon.