Our eternal affairs

Anna walked out of the hospital, after her appointment, feeling worn out. The weight of her future visits were already bearing down on her, even before they arrived. 

She had heard before, that signing up for a medical financial assistance fund could end as a bad debt, and the thought of where she would get the money to pay for her treatments were daunting. 

But for now, she was allowed to go in, and out of the hospital as she pleased, since her body wasn't showing any devastating signs yet, to the shock of the attending physicians.

As she walked to the bus station, the scent trees, and crispy burritos filled the air, and Anna couldn't help, but breathe it in deeply. She wore a cherry-floral dress that reached just before the knees, with a brown jacket; and a gentle wind blew on it, as she sat on a wooden bench at the station.

 She watched as people bustled around her, lost in their own little worlds. The sun was warm and just right on her skin as it wrapped the scenery like a golden yellow scarf.

As she waited for the bus, her mind wandered back, to the call she made, to Mister Truce's personal assistant.

While the rejection still stung, she felt she couldn't miss the opportunity, and would fight for her health. She pulled out her phone, to call Doctor Stone, to tell him of her attempt, it rang but he didn't answer the call. The bus arrived and she stood up, smoothening her dress. 

She sat close to the window, her favorite spots, and her eyes caught the glimpse of a familiar building. She was thrown immediately, into a time, when she walked up the steps of that building, on her worst days just to pour her heart out.

Without hesitating, she pressed a red button at the side of the bus. It slowed, and came to a stop, then she stepped down. She was curious to see the weather-worn building, that was now covered with moss, and overgrown surroundings.

It was old, but still stood majestic, with its religious authority, brimming down on the pedestrians that walked by it.

Anna pushed open the creaky door, and a warm glow enveloped her, carrying a scent of old wood, and familiarity. She stepped inside, and her eyes adjusted to the soft light, filtering through the stained glass window. 

The church was just as she remembered it, yet somehow smaller. But her heart fluttered, as old cherished memories, swam in the atmosphere. Happy tears flooded her eyes immediately. Her finger trailed along the rims of the pews, walking down the aisle. She guessed they still held services here, as her gaze swept round the neat area.

She sat on a cold bench, in the middle of the room, and looked at the altar. She sighed, worried, her eyelids drooped. The place was so serene, and peaceful, that she didn't know when she started sobbing. Her shoulders shook in grief, as she silently prayed about her diagnosis. Her heart was heavy, and she let her pain stream out. She sat still for a long time.

Pastor Ben, an old clergyman, wheeled gently into the church. Anna didn't hear, or notice the man behind her. He stared at the lonely figure, sitting between the pews for some time, before he rolled down the aisle.

He drew close, to see who the person was, and his gaze locked instantly with the lady. A hint of recognition sparked, and his aged face creased into a warm smile.

 "Anna? Is that you?" She cleaned her tear streaked face, as she glanced at the intruder.

 "Pastor Ben!" She exclaimed excitedly, as she rushed towards him. The man's eyes misted, as he extended a frail hand. 

 "Oh!" He cried out in joy. "How're you doing, my sweet girl?" 

 "I've been well, sir." Anna sniffed, as her heart swelled with nostalgia, and she took his hands. 

 "It's been a while. Have you been well?" She asked lovingly, and the man nodded.

As they exchanged pleasantries, Anna's phone rang, shattering the moment. She looked at him apologetically, and he waved her off.

 She looked at the phone screen, and saw it was Doctor Stone calling. She answered. He told her to come by the office immediately, if she could, before he stepped out.

As Anna hung up, she saw another man had met pastor Ben, and the old man was whispering something to his ear.

She waited for them to conclude, before she politely told him about the call. Of course, not all the details. Pastor Ben gestured towards the door, "I'll give you a ride to the hospital, child. My car's just outside."

Anna immediately protested. "No sir, it's ok, I don't want to bother…"

The man raised up his hand, and smiled sweetly. "I insist, my dear."

Grateful, she accepted. And together, they glided out, into the sunlight. Chatting about the old times, the church's warmth lingering.

She stepped out of the car, and thanked the man profusely. 

 "See me again when you're free, okay?" He told her, and she gingerly nodded her head, before closing the door, and watched as they drove off.

Back in Doctor Stone's office, Anna settled into a chair, across from him.

 "So Anna, what did you say happened between you and the PA?"

Anna sighed, frustration seeping into her voice. "I was told to book an appointment at the headquarters, and wait for a call. That's going to take a long time, and I don't have much time."

The doctor nodded thoughtfully. "You know, I told you he is a healer. How about we try to connect with him spiritually."