Praying with the Enemy by Steven T. Collis

Author:Steven T. Collis
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Shadow Mountain Publishing
Published: 2022-03-14T18:39:49+00:00

CHAPTER 24

Barbara was back in Portland, celebrating Mass.

She knelt, rose, and partook of the Holy Communion and offered peace to her fellow parishioners as they offered her peace in return. It was her solace, her sanctuary; the Latin words from Father Schultheis flowed over her like healing water, their import touching her soul. Here, she felt Ward most. Here, she was certain her prayers would fall on listening ears.

Naïve, a word she had been hearing since Ward’s disappearance. You’re being naïve.

I let them say it, Barbara prayed, to God, to Saint Francis, even to Ward himself. I let them say it, for they do not understand what we are, our oneness. Our unity. You and I know we cannot be separated; our life together feels ordained, as inevitable as the earth’s trip around the sun. What are we, Ward, but the example others of humanity can follow? We are the shining example, held aloft in God’s hands. Will not He be our buckler and our shield? Has He not girded us for this time of separation, like a creator moved to pity as He looks on His creations? He will move us where He will. The board is set, the pieces in place, the players prepared to take their roles, to perceive a miracle.

The long-awaited day will come. I know it, even if others do not. He will return you to me. Flesh of your flesh.

He will restore to me the breath of life.

• • •

When Mass was over, Barbara drove to her parents’ house, where Adrian was, and found her mother in the kitchen, preparing food as usual. This time, she was kneading some bread dough while a pot of soup simmered on the stove. Somewhere upstairs, two of Barbara’s siblings were squabbling. The rest, she assumed, were on the property somewhere, either down in the basement helping with the family business, watching Adrian, or in the fields behind the house.

“How was Mass?” Her mom asked.

“Wonderful,” Barbara said. “As always.”

“You’ve got a letter there.”

Barbara found it on the table. It was from the headquarters of the 49th Fighter-Bomber Wing in Korea. “What?!” she said. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

“I just did tell you,” her mom said. “It’s not as if I could call you at Mass.”

Barbara was ready to tear into the envelope, only to realize it had already been opened. “You already read this,” she said.

Her mom had snuck up behind her, fingers pale from the dough. “Guilty.” Barbara took out the letter and scanned it:

Dear Mrs. Millar,

In reply to your letter, it is my suggestion that I continue to hold your letters to Ward. After all, assuming he is a prisoner and may be released soon, there is a possibility that I may see him. If so, your letters to him would certainly be appreciated.

Most Sincerely,

A. W. Tyer

Colonel, USAF Commanding

Barbara nodded and let the paper drop to the table. “Well at least they’re finally showing some common sense.” Then she cast a sideways glance at her mom.

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