*EP 9* “God didn’t kill her, Josiah.” “Neither did he heal her.” Josiah shot back. “I think you are just being unreal because you don’t know what it means to lose a wife.” “Josiah.” “And you really need to stop defending God. He’s not worth the stress.” He shut the door. Asides the frequent visits of the older women of the church, his pastor also visited, everyday. And it was beginning to upset him. Why is it hard to understand that he doesn’t want to get back to church? It doesn’t make sense that he befriends someone who cares less about him. Abel considered it familiarity and rebellion, and that upsets him more. No doubt, his heart aches for the failing of his son’s faith, but even more, he gets angry at his son’s reasons for hating God. “You’re the one to lose, son. God remains God irrespective of how you feel, or think.” “Then why force me to get back to church? He obviously doesn’t need me!” Abel was more upset that his anger rubbed off on his daughter. Josiah completely forgot about her, as he was swallowed up in his pain. “And Deb? She doesn’t need you?” “What for? She has you and Martha to take care of her.” “Are you possessed? She is your daughter!” “As well as your granddaughter, and Martha’s niece.” “Don’t be foolish son! Life continues.” “Dad. You said this when mum died, and I listened. But now, that makes absolutely no sense to me.” “So life doesn’t continue? You’d waste away because you lost your wife?” “She isn’t just my wife, dad.” His voice cracked. “She was my everything.” “Exactly! Was. She was, and now, she’s dead. You have to make something or someone else your everything.” “That’s cheating.” “Oh goodness! Please son. You cannot continue like this. Your job needs you. Your daughter needs you. Your father needs you. Martha needs you too.” “Dad_” “Look at Martha. She’s back at school. I know it’s hard, but she is gradually pushing through.” “I’m sure you told her the same thing – life continues.” “But it does, son.” “Not for me.” Abel took a deep breath. “If you were to have a talk with Matilda now, how do you think she would interpret your behavior?” Josiah looked up at his father. “You think she’d be happy with you? That you neglect her child? Your child? Would she be happy that you allow yourself to get swallowed up in grief that nothing else matters?” “Dad_” His voice was barely audible. “You think she’s proud of you? That you can do nothing without her? That your life is meaningless because she’s no longer existing?” “But_” “You think she wouldn’t consider you foolish to think life stops? You think she’s happy nothing makes sense again? You think she’s excited that you think God is wicked for not keeping her? You think she’s rejoicing that you’re trying to get back at God?” “Dad, stop.” “Is it not foolish of you to define your life based on an event?” “It is not just any event, dad.” “This is life, and God is God. Get your life together, and let nothing affect your faith in God. Guard your faith. If anything, I’m sure Matilda would want that for you. Stop being stupid son.” When Abel told Martha of his discussion with Joe, Martha felt it was harsh of him to say all of that. “I understand his feelings, Dad. I think you were harsh.” She patted Deb who lay half-asleep in her arms. “He needed someone to talk senses to his head.” He rolled his eyes. “Not harshly. That was the second time he lost his loved one to that same sickness. He certainly has questions.” “Which he should ask God. Instead of running from God who has the answer!” he threw his hands in the air. “Joe makes me feel like I failed. And I think I did, cause I indulged his decision of not going to church after his mother’s death.” “You don’t have to blame yourself.” She dropped Martha in her cot and walked towards him. “You’re a great dad, and I can testify to that.” Abel smiled. They stared at each other as they heard a gentle tap on the door. “You think it’s him?” Martha’s eyes lit up. “I strongly doubt.” Abel got up and walked towards the door. He peeped through the door hole and quickly turned back. “He’s the one!” He whispered in shock and excitement. Martha quickly sat on the chair, she rested her hands on her lap and gave a nervous smile. Abel unlocked the door and slowly opened it. “Hey son.” Joe looked haggard, his eyes red and puffy. His hair stood unkept on his head and his shirt rumpled. “Dad,” He cried. “I want to get right with God again.” …