FROM THE WEB NOVEL “SET APART”

Written by Abby Caymol | Jun 21, 2025

JEREMIAH

I’m not going to lie; the incident with Abrielle on the employee bus felt surreal. I could have stood up since the bus was full, but I don’t understand why I ended up sitting beside her. I’m unsure how I should feel about it—whether it’s the idea that I know she likes me or the reality that I chose to sit next to her. I don’t want her to think that I’m acknowledging her feelings for me, especially since her friend Eun-Yeong already told her about my recent encounter with her at the Cornelius Lounge. It felt strange that I sat beside her; it was as if something was urging me to take that seat. The urge didn’t feel random; there was a purpose behind it. I felt shy and awkward.

My thoughts were deep as I stared at the autumn leaves falling from the tree. The bench I sat on was cool now, dry after a sprinkle of rain early that morning. I checked my watch while continuing to sip my hot coffee crema. Mr. Jose Ferrer should be here any minute. I was glad he acknowledged my invitation before I left Seattle. 

“Mr. Jeremiah Kim!” A friendly greeting echoed in the background. It was him. I recognized his warm vibe and could tell he was happy to see me. He hugged me tightly upon arrival. 

“It’s been a while, sir!” I responded with a smile. We decided to head to one of the cafés in Bellevue. As we caught up, he shared some updates about his life when we hadn’t seen each other. I also explained why I had to leave Seattle. Although his eyes reflected sadness, he expressed happiness in meeting and becoming friends with me.

I told him that someday he might want to go to Florida, and he was welcome to come and stay with me in Seaside. We discussed many things, and he asked questions about living in a tourist city and how incredible Florida is. As Mr. Jose Ferrer spoke, I considered asking him about his daughter’s name, but anxiety took over. In the end, I chose not to ask him, feeling that the decision weighed more heavily than the thought of inquiring about her name.

“Jeremiah,” he said, “I want to share a verse with you: Proverbs 16:3. Listen to me, boy, when you leave Seattle, I want you to keep this word of God in your heart: ‘Commit to the Lord whatever you do; He will establish your plans.’ Jeremiah, a man’s mind plans his way as he journeys through life, but the Lord directs and establishes his steps. Make God your top priority, placing Him at the center of your heart; no matter what you do, He will bless you.”

Mr. Jose Ferrer left me an encouraging message that truly resonated with me. He asked, “Do you know the story of Abraham when God called him?” I was curious, so I inquired further. He explained that in Genesis 12, God instructed Abraham to leave his country and his Father’s house to go to a land God would show him. Despite stepping away from his comfort zone, God promised that all the earth’s families would be blessed through Abraham. 

I recalled a story from Abrielle’s reel on the Fruit app, where she talked about Abraham’s faithfulness and obedience to God. Mr. Jose Ferrer continued, “Jeremiah, what I’m trying to say is that a blessing awaits you when you return to your hometown. I may not know what it is, but God has orchestrated it for you in ways that have yet to be revealed.”

While listening to him, his words resonated in my mind. I felt that good things were coming, and I was excited about the possibility that God might open new doors for me in Seaside City on my journey with the Lord. “Always remind yourself to keep the commands and teachings of God, and you will be successful in all you do and wherever you go. The Bible says, ‘What profits a man if he gains the world and loses his soul?’ Aim to succeed in God’s ways, not earthly ones, because this world doesn’t truly know Jesus and His mission, and few genuinely understand it.” Mr. Jose Ferrer paused, and I nodded, agreeing with all of his counsel. I sipped my coffee crema; it tasted bittersweet, just as I wanted it. Leaving Seattle feels bittersweet. I will surely miss Mr. Jose Ferrer and all the wisdom from the Bible that he so sincerely taught me.

“Sir, are you willing to do an online Bible study with me when I return to Florida?” I asked curiously. “Of course, Jeremiah! I would be happy to study with you. True understanding and knowledge come from the ability to think and act in a way that honors God. When you study the Word of God, you’ll grow more thirsty for Jesus. You’ll always desire to read the Bible and follow His teachings.” He emphasized the importance of fellowship. Although I haven’t returned to Florida yet, I already strongly desire this conversation with Mr. Jose Ferrer. We finished an excellent lunch, and as I drove home, the words “wisdom” and “blessing” echoed in my mind. Wisdom fills your mind when you pay attention. It will be poured into you, and meaningful words will come to you.

Anyone who treats counsel as insignificant will likely experience anxiety and distress. Wisdom is indeed a source of strength during times of hardship. God uses divine wisdom to protect us from temptation and the desires of the flesh. If being saved from the world’s traps is not a blessing, I’m not sure what blessing we are waiting for. God gives wisdom generously to everyone without finding fault. I now understand what Mr. Jose Ferrer meant: you will crave more fellowship because your soul thirsts for Jesus. When your heart aligns with God’s will, you will experience blessings and wisdom, accompanied by God’s mercy and kindness, written in the depths of your heart.