Job in Distress painted by Hendrick Goltzius in 1616
“We are right here and we are your friends.”
“I know where you are but I’m scared and I’m alone and I’m not sure this is what I want to do.”
“We offer you peace and quiet and a way to go home and at our home there is no pain…ever.”
“It sounds so nice and, frankly, I am tired of the pain…so very, very tired.”
“Open the door to us…we love you and we understand.”
“But if I let you in I can never let you back out again.”
“We won’t let you down…we are your friends…who but us have constantly stood by your side and comforted you?”
“Well, my husband has never left my side throughout this entire ordeal, but he must be getting tired too.”
“We know he is tired and could use the rest from your troubles.”
“Well, I’m told God will never leave me, but I can’t hear Him and fear he doesn’t care.”
“Then come to us and we will ease your pain and help you drift away slowly and peacefully to a place where you will never hurt again.”
She limped into the bathroom. Tears streamed down her face. She was so afraid and she was so close to making a decision that would change everything.”
“We’re here for you.”
She opened the door and saw the little red bottles on the shelf, both full of magic. Picking up the first bottle, she undid the top and looked inside There were many pills there. So many pills. She put the top back on and reached for the other bottle. Taking off that top she looked at how many pills were in that bottle…at least twenty. More than enough to make the pain go away.
“Come to us.”
She put the bottles back in the cabinet and slid the door shut. Limping back into the bedroom she climbed into bed and sobbed.
“I’m here my precious child. I’m here. I told you I would never leave you and I meant it. Be strong – reach out – grab my hand and hold on tight. I will not ever let you go. I never said life would not be painful; I said I would be with you even until the end and I meant it. I have plans for you my daughter. Rest and know I will always love you and carry you when you need it. Rest little one, rest so tomorrow you may see what I have in store for you. I love you, child.”
She went back to bed and she slept.
Parchment Monkey 