“That day in the diner when I had that panic attack, there was a little girl at one of the tables. What happened?”
“I had left with you, but Knox told me that Diamond had seen you staring at the family. Knox talked to them. The little girl was placed in her grandmother’s custody.”
“It’s funny how things turn out, isn’t it?”
“I don’t think it’s funny at all,” Shade said, pulling her tighter.
“I believe sometimes it’s meant for us to have to bear trials so that we can recognize how to help others.” Lily’s voice grew drowsy.
“Go to sleep.” Shade’s voice was soothing in the darkness. It was then Lily realized the room was encased in darkness. She hadn’t turned the bathroom light on.
Her hand laced through Shade’s, confident he would keep her safe while she slept.
*
When Lily beat Rachel to the store in the morning, there was already a line forming outside. Pastor Dean was waiting for her inside. He looked as if he hadn’t slept.
“Are you sick?” Lily asked.
“No. I just woke up this morning with a headache. I’ll be fine as soon as I get my coffee. Rachel’s stopping by the diner before she gets here.”
“Great.” Lily stood by the door, anxious to let the people in. They had already taken applications earlier in the week and had decided how everyone would be allowed to take things they needed, giving each family a limit of store credit based on their financial need.
Rachel maneuvered through the crowd, bringing each person a steaming cup of coffee.
“Are we ready for this?” She grinned when she finally came inside.
“Yes.” Lily was fired up, ready to help those who stood waiting.
“I have a feeling this is going to be a long day.” With that said, Pastor Dean opened the door.
At first, they were nearly overwhelmed by the number of those coming in; however, Lily had organized the paperwork over the last week, and because they were the ones who had stocked the store, they were able to help the customers find the items they needed quickly.
They easily worked out a method for moving people through: Rachel and Pastor Dean worked the store, and when people found the items they needed, they would then be sent to Lily at the counter. She would check the amount of aide they had available for the month, then bag their items for them. It was a rewarding experience for Lily, seeing those in need were given simple basics that would make their lives easier.
By midday, the customers had slowed to a trickle, so Pastor Dean excused himself, explaining he was scheduled to give a counseling session.
“If I didn’t know better, I would think Pastor Dean had a hangover.” Rachel’s speculative voice drew her attention from filing paperwork.
“I’m sure you’re wrong. He told me he had a headache this morning.”
“I have three brothers; I’m very familiar with the signs of a hangover. Pastor Dean has all the symptoms. Did you see his face when I handed him his sandwich?”
“Yes, but I’m not a fan of meatloaf sandwiches, either. I’m sure it gets old having to eat other’s cooked food all the time.”
“Maybe.” Rachel’s tone still sounded doubtful.
Lily didn’t get the chance to talk about it further because the door opened and closed, bringing in more customers. Lily worked steadily as a member of the congregation came in searching for winter coats for her children. Lily knelt in front of the little five-year–old, helping her zip a jacket up.
Her little hand tugged the fur collar up, brushing her face with the soft fur. “Can I have this one, Mama?”
The mother looked inquiringly at Lily.
“Of course you can.” Lily smiled at the little girl’s excited face.
Standing up, she searched through the racks until she found one for her older brother. Going through a plastic tub, she then found each of them gloves.
She bagged everything up, handing the mother the large bag.
“Thank you.” The woman started to say something else then gripped the bag tighter in her hand.
Lily knew what the woman wanted to ask without being told. Coming out from behind the counter, she put her arm around her shoulders.
“I think Mom needs a little something for herself.” Lily led her to another coat rack, going through several before the woman found one that would fit.
“There. Now everyone has a new coat.” Lily reached out, hugging the smiling woman. “Come back the first of December. We’ll have the Christmas section open and you can choose some toys for them.”
The woman nodded. “I will. I don’t like to take help, but Brian was hurt on a construction job. He’s been looking for something that’s not as strenuous, but he hasn’t found anything yet. I have several applications out, but no one’s hiring.”
“That’s why we opened the store. We’re happy to help,” Lily said matter-of-factly, sensitive to the woman’s pride.
“Thank you, Lily.”
“Bye, Christy.” Lily watched the small family leave, filled with a sense of satisfaction.