What’s a song that always puts me in a good mood?
There are several songs that always put me in a good mood, but I’d say the biggest one is probably “These Are The Days” by Lauren Daigle. The song talks about how we are to release our worries and sing to God and embrace His goodness and fruitfulness in the present moments of life. We are called to be hopeful and jubilant, as the current days are seen as answered prayers.
Amazing song with a great message!
“Hooray!” Cloudy cheered as she joyfully skipped and hopped through the daffodil-dotted grass in the little clearing in Whispy Woods. The golden sunlight filtered through the canopy of trees, and the fuzz of the dandelions whirled about in the occasional breezes. Her friend, Meta Knight, and her older sister, Star, were not far behind. “The sun is shining, the sky is clear, and it’s a beautiful day to walk in Whispy Woods!”
“Slow down, little sister!” Star hollered, racing after Cloudy and tripping over a well-concealed root, tumbling headfirst into a dandelion patch. The seeds and fluff flew in her face and circled round her in the wind. Star sneezed and spluttered, laughed, stood to her feet, and shook the fuzz off her glowing gray-and-white fur, once again taking off after Cloudy.
Meta Knight had to laugh as he watched the two romp about together, playfully snarling, pretending to fight, laughing as they wildly zigzagged out of the clearing and down the trail. A rush of nostalgic memories returned to his mind—back when he and his little sister, Tourmaline, were younger, playing just as Cloudy and Star were now. His eyes grew gray with sadness, recalling bitterly how she had been forced out of the house at age ten. He had never seen her again since that night. Sometimes at night he dreamed about her, wondering if she was all right. He didn’t even know whether she was alive or dead.
“Hey, Meta Knight!” shouted Cloudy. “What are you being so slow for? Hurry up!”
Meta Knight snapped out of his depressing thoughts, quite a contrast to the peaceful, sunny day. “Sorry.” He hurried up to the two sisters, who had called a truce in their play-fighting. Then the trio continued on together, their feet crunching the soft blades of grass.
As Cloudy hopped and trotted along, her thoughts drifted to her family. Her parents were Springtime and Showerstorm. Both were loving, funny, supportive of their children, and hardworking. Springtime was a stay-at-home mom who enjoyed cooking and watching her children live out their dreams. Showerstorm was an author and worked at Passion Bank. he mostly enjoyed spending time with his wife and children and reading the Bible.
Cloudy’s mind then went to her siblings. Her five older brothers—Sniper, Sharkell, Yodi, Pancake, and Waffle—often teamed up together to make everyone miserable with their ridiculous, petty pranks. Azalea-Star, her older sister, was kind and enjoyable to be around, hut could sometimes be bothersome and generally annoying.
Then Cloudy thought about herself. She was strong, brave, compassionate, spirited, empathetic, and had a heart of gold. She also possessed the rare title of the Prophesied One, or the Star Warrior who had been prophesied by Photron to banish Nightmare’s darkness and evils from her beautiful country, Dreamland. She would one day bring about Nightmare’s end. She wasn’t sure she really enjoyed being a soldier, but if it meant the world would be spared from submitting and bowing the knee to Nightmare, she would fight to the death.
Cloudy was startled out of her reverie when she heard a loud honk. Star grinned at her sister’s alarmed expression. “It’s just a car, Cloudy,” she explained. “We must be getting near the road. Right, Meta Knight?”
“That is correct,” Meta Knight answered. “We must be coming to the intersection near Adela Turner’s place. We must have taken a detour that led off the trail to my cabin.”
“Oh, it doesn’t matter,” Star said quickly. “It’s lovely on Cardinal Road. You know, with all the azaleas, delphiniums, and whatnot.”
“Yes, it is,” Meta Knight agreed. “Let us walk it.”
The three companions swung onto the road and began walking on the grass so as to stay out of the way of passing cars. At first it was calm and peaceful, with the three friends walking in harmony and enjoying nature together. But soon Cloudy started to get frustrated because Star began often to stop and sniff the roses, azaleas, chrysanthemums, tulips, and whatever else she could get her nose on. It was causing a lot of delay getting home.
After Star had halted for the sixth time to sniff a sunflower, Cloudy groaned. “Star, will you please stop lollygagging and hurry it along? We’re going to be late getting back to the house, and Mommy and Daddy will be furious!”
“Oh, cool it,” Star said offhandedly. “There’s plenty of time. I just wanna smell the delicious scents of spring, is all! There’s no harm in that.”
Cloudy managed to contain a choking outburst of anger and looked to the sky to calm herself. As she did, she spotted a beautiful brown cardinal with reddish-tipped wings flying into a nest in a palm tree. Her eyes widened as her ears caught the faint sounds of high-pitched chirping. No doubt there were baby birds!
Meta Knight too heard the chirps and gazed upward at the tree. Cloudy’s face was full of amazement. Star just seemed puzzled until she saw a tiny bill peering over the edge of the twisted mass of straw and grasses.
Star let out a gasp. “Baby birds! They’re in the nest!”
“I hear them,” Meta Knight said calmly. “They’re hungry.”
The mother cardinal, hearing the hunger cries of her babies, chirped as if to say, “I will bring you food!” and flew out of the nest and down to a bare patch of earth. She burrowed into the dirt with her sharp bill and grasped hold of a plump earthworm, then soared with it back to the nest. The baby birds were soon quieted as they ate contentedly. When one of the babies began to argue with one of his siblings, the mother stepped in and quieted him.
Meta Knight had to smile. The mother bird reminded him much of his own dear mother, Scazzarda Stellarum. She was so kind and loving yet stern when things got out of hand in the family. She never stopped at anything to make sure her family was never anything less than happy and safe.
“Nice,” Star said in a bored tone after a few minutes, “but we really need to get moving. There’s a long way to go and I’ve still got a bunch of flowers I want to sniff.”
“Fine,” Cloudy sighed. “Come on, Meta Knight. Let’s go.”
Meta Knight turned away from the tree and walked after Cloudy and Star. Star skipped happily out in front, snuffling at the waving flowers and rustling bushes. The sky turned from a periwinkle-blue to a dusty navy as the sun began to get lower and lower. Late afternoon was coming fast.
Then tragedy struck.
The mother cardinal flew out of the nest to get some more food for her children. She flapped across the road and managed to find another earthworm trying to bury itself in the dirt. Then she took in her beak and flapped back across the road.
But as she did, a car came speeding down the road, its engine roaring. Star did not hear the noise, but Cloudy and Meta Knight, who were farther back than Star, heard the engine and turned around to see what was going on. As the bird flew back across the road, the car struck it head-on. The mother bird let out a piercing chirp of pain and dropped to the ground, lying inert. The car revved down the road, ignoring the bird.
Meta Knight gasped, horrified.
“No!” Cloudy shrieked. “The bird! The bird got hit!” She turned and shouted loudly at the top of her lungs, “Star! Star! The bird got hurt!”
“Hm?” Star looked back and saw her sister and friend running in the opposite direction of where they were supposed to be heading. “What the. . .” She rolled her eyes. “Oh, I guess something else has come up. Wonder what happened this time?” She ran after them.
By the time she caught up to them, the two had already reached the accident’s scene. Meta Knight was kneeling by the bird and gently cupping it in his hands. Blood seeped out of the wings and spilled upon his gloves. The bird did not stir.
“Is she okay?” Cloudy whispered.
“Is she alive?” added Star.
Meta Knight sorrowfully shook his head, tears filling his eyes. His glance went to the nest still sitting in the trees, to the baby birds waiting for their mother. But she would never come. And they would never understand why. The image of the palm tree blurred before his eyes as he sighed heavily.
“Meta Knight?” Cloudy spoke in a soft tone. “Are you all right?”
“I am fine, child,” was the reply, though Cloudy could tell it was a complete, flat-out lie. His trembling voice gave it away. Cloudy’s ears drooped and she looked up at the palm tree. The mournful chirps of the hungry chicks stabbed at her heart. What would become of the baby birds? They would never survive without their mother. Sooner or later, they would die from a fall out of the nest or be eaten by a snake or something else. There was no way she was leaving those helpless baby birds by themselves.
“We have to bury her,” Meta Knight said quietly. “I feel it is best.”
Cloudy nodded. As she looked around for a final resting place for the bird, her gaze landed on the base on the palm tree. “Why don’t we bury her beneath her home?” she suggested. “That way, it’s like she’s still here, even though she’s not.” She realized her last sentence probably didn’t make much sense, but Meta Knight seemed to understand her viewpoint.
“Let’s do it,” Star said determinedly.
So they did. They buried her beneath the palm tree, with only a smooth granite rock as her headstone. Cloudy thought about how beautiful her grave would be in the summer and fall, and especially in the winter when it snowed. But Meta Knight didn’t seem to share the same thoughts. His mind was on the baby birds. Where would they do without their mother’s tender care? What would they eat? How would they find shelter in times of bad weather?
Meta Knight felt like he had to protect the baby birds. Ever since he was a child, he had always wanted to guard and care for those less fortunate than himself. When he became an adult, he felt a paternal tug toward young, orphaned, abused children. His heart broke for those who were alone and helpless in the darkness of this evil world.
Meta Knight slowly released his breath. He had made his decision. “Children, wait here. I will climb the tree and get the birds.”
“What?!” exclaimed Star. “Are you nuts? You’ll probably fall and kill yourself doing such a dangerous thing.”
“I will not leave the birds to a cruel fate,” Meta Knight replied, and without another word, instantly began to climb the tree. The puppies nervously watched him as he inched out onto the thin, delicate limb on which the nest was located, praying he wouldn’t lose his balance and come tumbling to the ground. Thankfully, he succeeded in grabbing the nest and carefully climbed down the trunk, the nest gently gripped in his hand.
“We need to get home, pronto!” Cloudy said, realizing how vital this situation was. “The birds need to be kept warm and moist in a chamber or tank. Let’s hurry!”
“Right!” Star chimed.
The three friends began to run as fast as they could down the road toward Cloudy’s home. Cloudy was worried about the fragile orphans, as was Meta Knight. Could Cloudy’s family raise them and get them to safely hatch and come into the world as fine, healthy babies? Or would they die without their mother, no matter how much they were cared for? Every step they took seemed to suggest a struggle of life or death.
Today, I need to speak to all you readers about a post that really reminded me of me: “I Am Just The Vessel. . .” by Willie Torres Jr., author of the WordPress site https://beingcrazyforchrist.com/
Post link: https://beingcrazyforchrist.com/2026/05/26/i-am-just-the-vessel/
I, Starmonia, am an author, artist, and blogger. Like Willie Torres Jr., I have always loved writing. As a little child I would write silly stories. As a middle-aged kid I would write sensible, well-crafted poems, plays, and even songs. As I got older, I became more skilled at writing and really enjoyed doing it. I still do, in fact.
The main reason I write is not to earn money or become famous; it’s simply because I love doing it. I find pleasure in doing it. Another main reason is because I believe, through God, I can change the world. And I am changing the world even now, though I cannot see it. I am planting seeds that God will water and they will one day sprout into something amazing.
In his post, Willie knew he was not perfect. He also knew he was one of the least unlikely ones anyone would have chosen to change the world through his honest and amazing writing. But God is not just “anyone.” God is God, and He can choose anyone he wishes to fulfill His plan for creation. He chose twelve unlikely men to change the world in big ways. He chose a young virgin girl to carry His Son. He chose a little shepherd boy to be one of the greatest kings in Israel.
I am a very bright girl. I am very smart, intelligent, and spirited (perhaps too much sometimes). I am protective of my friends and family and hate seeing others bullied or cut down. I am empathetic, compassionate, and beautiful. And I am not bragging on myself; I’m merely speaking the truth. God says I am everything I mentioned above, and I believe I am.
But sometimes I really don’t know what exactly I’m supposed to be doing with my life. Sometimes I don’t see myself as a follower of Christ. Willie says it all in his post:
“Do I enjoy writing? Yes.
Do I love building friendships and relationships with others? Yes.
Do I see myself as a disciple?
I am supposed to… but only God truly knows. And if I am being honest, I hesitate to even carry that title, because of the weight it holds.”
I see myself the same way. There are times I doubt whether I’m truly worthy to carry the title of “Christian.”
“Some may say disciples are just ordinary men. And that is true. But they are also followers of Christ. They are called to go out and make disciples of all nations. Leaders. Servants. Messengers of truth.
They carry their Cross through trials, through struggles, through pain. They speak the Gospel for all to hear, without shame. Without fear of being mocked, rejected, spit on, or even killed for what they believe.
That is not a light calling.”
That is one of the truest statements I have ever heard in my life. I couldn’t have said it better.
“So I ask myself… am I worthy of that?
And the truth is, I do not see it in myself.”
I don’t see it in myself either. I doubt whether I’m truly good enough to accomplish the heavy task of walking and evangelizing for the Lord.
“I see my flaws. I see my doubts. I see the moments where fear tries to silence me, where I feel inadequate, where I question if I am enough.
But maybe that is the point.
Because being a disciple was never about being worthy on our own. It was never about having it all together, knowing everything, or standing without weakness. The very men Jesus called were imperfect, unsure, and at times afraid.
Yet they followed.
Not because they were worthy, but because they were willing.”
I have to admit, there are a lot of times I know I hurt Jesus with my wrongdoings. And it’s not that I wanted to do wrong, but nor was I willing to do right. I’m definitely not worthy to stand before Jesus, and neither is anyone else. But through Christ, I am made new. I am now able to stand before the King of kings and the Lord of lords.
I am willing to go wherever God has called me. And I know I am not worthy for the hard tasks He is placing before me, but I am definitely willing to do whatever He asks of me. . .no matter how hard it is.
I doubt myself from time to time, and I even doubt God at times, but I have never lost faith that God is watching out for me and has a plan for my life.
When I was five, I nearly drowned from falling into a river. I couldn’t swim and my family couldn’t see me under the murky water, but somehow, I floated back up for a second and part of my head was spotted, and that was how I was saved. When I was twelve, I was playing with a metal jewelry chain near an outlet into which was a plugged a nightlight, and like an idiot, I allowed the chain to touch the metal prongs of the nightlight. I burned my finger on the smoking black chain, but thankfully, the power went out before I was electrocuted and possibly died or anything caught on fire.
Looking back now, I know those rescues were not mere “good luck.” They were signs that God was telling me He had something great for me in store. And at this point, I’m still not certain what it is, but I know He has something wonderful planned for me.
“And maybe that is where I stand. Not as someone who has arrived, not as someone who claims the title boldly, but as someone who is learning… slowly, humbly… to follow.”
That’s certainly where I stand, no doubt about it! I am still learning to follow Him, and with God’s help, in time, the day will come when I will be able to face anything with no fear, for God is with me!
Thank you, Willie, for writing this spectacular post! You are truly a talented writer with a wonderful gift for words! I pray your books will change the world and show God’s love and conviction to all! God bless you, and keep writing!
Tiff paused on the castle wall, her jade eyes reflecting worry. Her frightened eyes contrasted sharply with the peaceful orange-and-pink sky; you’d think she saw a ghost. The birds twittered a few “goodnights;” the leaves rustled in the evening breeze; the golden clouds melted into orange and grayish-black. The Booma-Dooma Volcano’s shadows darkened from smoky navy to blurred violet. Dyna Blade’s metallic rainbow wings sparkled in the last rays of the setting sun as she and her chick settled down to sleep.
While the world was peaceful. . .
the atmosphere of the castle was not.
The tension inside the enormous building threatened to swallow the inhabitants whole.
The fear all felt could not be contained.
So what to do?
* * *
Tiff was not prepared for her long night, nor what the outcome was to be.
It all started before breakfast. Tiff was in her room, reading a book, when her younger brother, Tuff, called her down. Reluctantly, Tiff marched down to the breakfast table and found her place, taking her seat just as Lady Like, her mother, waltzed in with the dishes.
“Good morning, guys!” little Ivene cried, leaping into the middle of the table and knocking the teapot off; thankfully, Sir Ebrum caught it before it landed on the linoleum and shattered to pieces. Starmonia sedately swaggered in, her green eyes glowing bright.
By the time the king and his snail sidekick came to breakfast, the rest were half-done with their food. “Hey, y’all could’ve saved some for the rest of us!” Dedede snapped. “Is this how my no-good servants behave toward me, the royal king of Dreamland?”
“Save your thoughtless words and you won’t get hurt,” Ivene, the outspoken one, retorted, her brown eyes flashing. “Maybe if you showed a little more respect toward your subjects, we would show some more toward you.”
Escargoon chuckled and elbowed the king in the ribs. “She’s a mouthy one, huh, Sire?”
“Shut your mouth, you insignificant snailbrain!” Dedede ordered, banging Escargoon on the head. “When I want your worthless opinion, I’ll make sure to ask for it, got it?”
“Okay, fine. Sheesh,” Escargoon mumbled, rubbing his bruised head.
Tiff glanced across the table at one plate still filled. “Um, Mom?”
“Yes, darling?” Lady Like turned from the sink, a puzzled look on her weary but cheerful face.
“Why wasn’t Sir Meta Knight at breakfast?” Tiff asked. “He’s normally here around the same time we are.”
“Maybe he got held up patrolling,” Tuff kidded. “With all the work Dedede makes him do, perhaps he’s sleeping in.”
“Dedede would never allow that,” Sir Ebrum objected.
“Then what the heck is he doing?” Tiff demanded, standing up from her seat. “We should go see!”
“Whoa!” Lady Like objected. “I don’t think that’s a good idea. First of all, you don’t know what he’s doing. And secondly, if he even is doing something, it’s rude to interrupt.”
“But Mom!” Tiff exclaimed in exasperation. “What if something happened? We have to go see him now!”
“If you want to see him, fine,” Lady Like said, returning her attention to the dishes. “Just make sure you knock first.”
“Of course,” Tuff mumbled as she left the room, Ivene, Starmonia, and Tuff behind her. “What else would I do before entering his room?”
* * *
Tiff reached the knight’s room and knocked on the wooden paneling. She stepped back, expecting the door to swing open. But nothing happened. The door stayed tightly shut. Tiff raised an eyebrow.
“Ummm,” Ivene said hesitantly.
“Tiff, are you sure he’s in there?” Tuff inquired.
“He’s got to be,” Tiff answered. “Sword and Blade told me he hasn’t been out of his room all morning.”
Tiff knocked again, more insistently this time, but still no reply came from within. Tiff was starting to get extremely bothered; why was her friend not answering? Surely he would have heard the knocks, unless. . .unless something had happened. . .
Tiff grasped the knob and tried to turn it, but it wouldn’t budge. The door was locked!
“The door!” cried Tiff. “It’s locked!”
“What?” Tuff exclaimed.
Tiff sucked in her breath. “That’s it!” she burst out. “I’m breaking down the door!” Ignoring the objections from her friends, she kicked in the door, sending a shower of dust and wood splinters flying into the air. The foursome rushed into the room, only to find it deserted.
“Did anybody check the balcony?” Ivene piped up.
Tuff ran out onto the balcony and came back a few seconds later. “No one’s there,” he reported.
“Then where the heck is he?” Ivene exclaimed, stamping her feet in frustration. “He couldn’t have just vanished into thin air!”
Tiff’s eyes roved around the room until they came to rest on the bathroom door. She frowned. “Um. . .”
“You’re not suggesting we check the bathroom, are you?” Tuff joked. “I, for one, am not interested in doing such a thing. If we are doing so, we should definitely follow Mom’s advice and knock first.”
Tiff hesitantly knocked on the door, but there was no answer. She reached for the knob and slowly turned it, and the door swung inward. She took one glance inside. . .and screamed at the top of her lungs, the blood draining from her face.
“What is it?!” Ivene shrieked, jumping to Tiff’s side. What she saw made her heart leap into her throat. She couldn’t believe it.
Meta Knight was lying unconscious on the floor in a pool of blood!
Ivene was speechless. She felt as though she were going crazy. All she could think of was that Sword and Blade absolutely could not witness this horrible scene; they would freak. After what seemed like an eternity, she found her voice and hollered, “Someone get Dr. Yabui!”
* * *
Tiff sat on the edge of Meta Knight’s bed and looked sadly at him. He seemed fine now, but there was something about him that didn’t seem normal. . .was it his color? His breathing? She was so scared she couldn’t think straight. She could never forget the red painting the floor of the bathroom. That image would remain with her for a lifetime.
Dr. Yabui snapped his medical bag shut and stood up. Tiff gazed up at him with worried eyes. “Dr. Yabui, what’s wrong with him?” she begged to know.
Dr. Yabui shrugged. “It appears to me he, er, threw up blood, though I really have no idea why. It seems to me it was caused by extreme stress or trauma, but I don’t know of anything terrible that happened to him, except for the losses and horror he experienced in the army.” He scratched his head. “Does anyone else know something I’m missing?”
No one said a word, but Starmonia noticed Tuff staring at her. “Why are you looking at me like that?” she asked.
Tuff crossed his arms. “I think you know,” he said.
Starmonia stared at him. “Why me?”
“You seem to be keeping a lot of secrets from us,” Tuff replied, “and so I think you know.”
Dr. Yabui frowned. “Starmonia, if you know something we don’t, you have to tell us.”
“It’s not fit for children to hear!” Starmonia shot back. “And besides, I promised Meta Knight I would never tell.”
“You have to tell us,” Dr. Yabui persisted. “We have to know.”
Starmonia knew there was no use arguing with him. She scowled. “Okay, fine,” she muttered. “If you really have to know, there’s no use keeping it in the dark, I suppose.” She sighed deeply. “Sir Meta Knight was abused. . .badly! I will not go into details, but we’ll leave it at that! All right?!”
There was a stunned silence. Tuff looked at the floor. Tiff turned away from Starmonia and looked at the far wall. Dr. Yabui twiddled with his bag. Ivene rolled her eyes to the ceiling, a peeved expression on her face. No one knew what to say; they were all in complete shock.
A knock came on the door and Dedede poked his head in. “Hello, everyone. What’s up? A meeting?”
“Oh, be quiet,” snarled Ivene. “Nobody’s in the mood for your wisecracks. Why don’t you go away and leave us alone?”
Dedede stared round at the solemn faces. “Hey, what’s up? Why do you all look like you’re attending a funeral?”
Tiff sniffled, tears filling her eyes. She ran her fingers over Meta Knight’s limp hand, hating how still he was.
Ivene tossed her head, her eyes glowing with a defiant light. “If you don’t get out of here fast, Dedede, we’re likely to be attending your funeral,” she snapped.
“Whoa!” Dedede held up a hand. “Chill! I’m not here to do anything! I just wanted to know why Dr. Yabui was here.”
“None of your business,” Tuff responded.
Dr. Yabui seemed uncomfortable. “Umm, I think I’ll be taking my leave now,” he said quietly, slipping out of the room, but not before calling, “Call me if he gets worse or does anything like this anything.”
“We will,” Ivene promised.
Dedede was left standing in the room with three angry kids and a silent adult. He felt as though he wasn’t welcome here, probably because he wasn’t. In truth, he didn’t feel as though he ought to be there. But here he was, nonetheless. No one looked at him; no one spoke to him; no one acknowledged him. He felt as though he didn’t exist.
At last, Ivene turned around and her eyes pierced him like a laser beam. “What do you want?” she coldly asked. “If you’re here to make fun of us, then do so. But don’t just stand there saying or doing nothing. You give me the creeps when you do that.”
“Um. . .” Dedede fiddled with his fingers. “Um, well, I just wanted to know what was going on. You all seem kind of upset about something, is all.”
Ivene stood up, her eyes glowing with fierce anger. “Yeah? And since when do you care if we’re upset?!” she cried. “You enjoy making everyone miserable! Ever since my sisters and I first arrived here in Cappy Town nearly fifteen years ago, you’ve done nothing but bother, tease, and humiliate everybody here! You think you’re the star of this show, but you’re not! In fact, you’re lower than anybody I’ve ever met! Even Nightmare himself probably couldn’t hold a candle to you!”
“That’s not true!” Starmonia exclaimed before she could stop herself. Realizing what she had just said, she clapped a paw over her mouth.
Tiff stared at her through shimmering eyes. “What?”
“Uhh, it’s nothing. . .” Starmonia turned away and rolled her eyes, hating herself. . . “I nearly gave away the secret!” she muttered.
Dedede seemed startled. “What is she talking about?”
Before anyone could answer, Meta Knight suddenly stirred and opened his eyes. Tiff was so relieved he was waking up that she forgot Dedede for her friend. “Meta Knight!” she murmured.
“Tiff?” The knight sat up and grasped her hand. “Where am I. . .What are you doing in here?” He looked at the others crowded round the bedside and at Dedede standing by the door. “Why are you all in my room?”
“Ummm, it’s a long story,” Tuff replied. “But long story short, you threw up, passed out in your bathroom, and Dr. Yabui came to find out what was wrong. Starmonia told us you had been abused.”
“Tuff!” Ivene gasped.
Starmonia groaned under her breath. “Tuff, why. . .”
Meta Knight stared at Tuff. “She did what?”
Tuff rubbed the back of his neck, wondering if he should have said that. “Um, uh, she said you, uh, were. . .abused? I guess. . .” His voice trailed off.
Tiff brushed her hand across her eyes. “She said you were abused,” she said, her voice threatening to crack. “She said you wanted her to keep it a secret, but I don’t know why. It’s not like such a horrible thing can be kept in the dark forever.”
“Why did you never tell us?” Ivene asked.
Meta Knight’s grip involuntarily tightened on Tiff’s hand. “It was bad enough living through those memories once,” he whispered. “Why bring them up again?”
“Oh, I don’t think you ever need to bring them up again,” Ivene retorted. “In fact, I bet you think of them all the time and that’s what causes you to stress yourself out and throw up just like you did today. Isn’t that right. Sir Meta Knight?”
Meta Knight was so shocked he couldn’t answer.
“Ivene!” Starmonia hissed through clenched teeth. “Stop it!”
“You know,” Ivene went on, ignoring her sister, “the more you try to keep your bad secrets in the dark, the more they’ll show. And one day, they’re gonna spill over.” She scowled at him. “What else are you keeping from us? Huh? What else have you not told us?”
“Nothing!” Meta Knight replied, but his voice was shaking.
“You saying so doesn’t make it true! Not in the slightest!” Ivene shouted.
“Ivene, I don’t think. . .” Tuff began.
“Quiet!” Ivene ordered. “I’m not talking to you! This is between me and Sir Meta Knight!” Back to the knight. “If you have anything you’re suffering from, tell us now! Now is the time to spill everything that’s bothering you!”
“Nothing is bothering me,” Meta Knight spoke, but his voice was strained with emotion. “I-I’m fine.”
“Fine?!” Ivene shrieked. “Fine?!! I don’t call throwing up, being stressed, having bad nightmares and horrible flashbacks, and not being able to sleep being fine! That’s a total lie, and you know it!”
“Ivene, stop!” Starmonia ordered. “That’s quite enough out of you! And stop yelling! That’s not going to help anything in the slightest!”
Ivene stopped yelling and the angry look faded from her eyes. The room became silent. No one spoke. No one moved. Finally, Ivene looked back at the soldier. “Meta Knight. . .” she said, her voice as calm as calm could be defined, “. . .take off your mask.”
Meta Knight hesitated. He didn’t seem willing to oblige.
“Don’t you see?” Ivene insisted, a slight hint of impatience in her voice. “You’re getting all shut off with your mask on for ages and ages! You need to take it off.”
Meta Knight dropped his gaze to the floor, not knowing what to say. After a moment, he reached up and removed his mask, and for the first time since she was very young, Tiff saw his true face. She gasped in surprise.
Dedede took a step back, startled. He had never before seen Meta Knight unmasked. “Whoa! Uh. . .”
“And now do you see why I always wished to hide myself from the world?” Meta Knight asked, his voice quavering. “I am afraid others will hate me as I hate myself. I blame myself for everything that’s happened to me all these years. I am afraid others will criticize and make fun of me as those who have hurt me in the past did.”
Tiff was shocked by her friend’s words, but even more shocked by. . . “Meta Knight!” she gasped. “Are you crying?” She had never before seen him cry.
Ivene sighed heavily, her high-toned ears wilting. Starmonia sat beside her baby sister, Tuff standing beside the two of them. Dedede was too stunned to say a word.
“M-Meta Knight?” Tiff gently touched his hand. “Don’t cry. It’ll be all right. Really. It will.” Hardly thinking about what she was doing, she hugged him gently, soothingly. He leaned against her shoulder, his body shaking uncontrollably, tears seeping out of his eyes and onto her shirt. She didn’t care about herself; her friends were more important.
“‘It’ll be all right?'” Dedede softly repeated to himself. He pressed a hand to his head, suddenly feeling like he had heard that phrase before. . .many years ago. . .
_ _ _
“Dede?” Little Tiff, aged three years old, slipped into the king’s bedroom. Dedede was lying on his bed, facing the wall, his shoulders trembling. Tiff climbed onto the bed and sat beside him, tapping his shoulder gently. “Dedede aw wight?”
Dedede sniffled and turned over to see Tiff sitting beside him. He was honestly astonished to see her. He had never been nice to the girl and yet here she was, a sincere expression of concern on her face. He wiped his face. “I’m fine, Tiff.”
Tiff didn’t look convinced. “Why Dede cwy?” she inquired, her little face screwing up into a look of sympathy. “Happen?”
“N-No, nothing happened, child. . .” But it was not true. He had suffered from another nightmare about his father throwing him off the turret, but he did not want to admit it. “It’s nothing, r-really. I’m. . .”
Tiff touched his hand. “Dede, why cwy?” she asked again, her voice filled with sadness. “Why?”
Dedede couldn’t answer. He had never felt this before, but strangely, he felt as though Tiff really. . .loved him. Actually cared about him. He had never felt this way before in his life. Another tear slipped down his face as he reache d out and embraced Tiff, who patted him lovingly.
“It be aw wight, Dedede,” Tiff said softly. “It be aw wight. God wuvs you.”
_ _ _
“Dedede?” Ivene asked. “What’s wrong? Why are you spacing out?”
Dedede, startled, snapped back into reality. “Uh, uh, I’m sorry. I was just. . .” Why did I think about that now, of all times? he wondered.
Tiff wasn’t paying any attention to Dedede’s strange behavior. She was too absorbed in comforting Meta Knight. She could vaguely recall comforting several times in the past when he seemed stressed or traumatized, but never when he cried. In fact, she couldn’t recall him ever crying in front of her. But now he no longer seemed to be the strong, stoic knight she had always known. Now he seemed like a broken, fallen soldier who needed to be reminded how much he was truly loved. . .both by his friends and by God Himself.
“Meta Knight, I need to tell you something,” she said quietly, a lump in her throat. “I love you way more than you will ever know, and you cannot comprehend how much I appreciate you being my friend. I hate seeing you upset or unhappy, and I long to make you feel better, but I can’t if I don’t know what’s wrong. I know you have a lot of trust issues and I can respect that, but I wish to goodness you’d be more upfront and honest with me about what’s going on with you.” She sighed shakily. “I know you hate yourself for what happened to you all those years ago, but know God sees something in you no one else could ever see. . .beauty in your brokenness, my friend.” She held him closer as she spoke, and the tears she had been holding back finally spilled over and streamed down her face. “I really want you to know,” she choked out, “that nothing you do will ever shake my love for you!”
Dedede was touched by the scene. He had never really noticed it before, but Tiff and Meta Knight seemed to have a beautiful and intimate bond of friendship. They were always together, always talking, always hanging out, always training, always seeing the good in each other despite their faults. I wonder why I didn’t see it there before? he wondered.
He looked at them a moment longer, puzzlement clouding his features. Then he smiled.
He decided it didn’t really matter why he hadn’t seen their bond before. The important thing was that they had it.
They didn’t care about each other’s pasts.
They didn’t care about each other’s faults.
All they cared about was their loving bond for each other.
And that was how it was supposed to be.
-Starmonia
P.S. Let me know what you think of the story!
Hello for the third time, my readers! I’ve learned so from this scary, sad, but hopeful story of faith, love, and hope, and I trust you all have as well.
A few things here: One, this whole story is fiction, and it expands on the Kirby universe. This entire series is known as Christian fiction, meaning that one or more characters in the story are Christians and use the Bible to solve the problem(s). And I know that not everyone who reads this series is Christian. Tat’s perfectly fine, though; I don’t expect everyone to be. But something I do expect, dear readers, is that you learn something valuable from each story I write.
But while the story is fiction, the Bible is loaded with evidence that’s real and overwhelming. The Bible is the only Book that is authentic and valid and lines up with history and answers all questions about hefty topics, such as Noah’s Flood.
However, many people are puzzled by the Bible. They ask questions like: Does the Bible contradict itself? Who was Cain’s wife? How could Jesus die on the cross for me? If God loves us, why are we all suffering? Are angels real? What is my purpose in life?
These questions and more are answered by the Bible. False teachers and books (other than the Bible) can’t always be trusted. But the Bible can be. Why? Because it was given us by God—yes, Jesus Christ, the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last. Jesus is alive, and living, and real. If He had not been born. . .if He had not died. . .if He were not a real person and did not exist, then we wouldn’t even be here. We wouldn’t exist. We would merely be dust in the dirt
Joseph and his crew’s actions in this story may bother a lot of people. But justice is always served to those who hurt God’s people and commit moral evils. The Bible makes this very clear in Proverbs 11: 5- “The righteousness of the blameless will direct his way, but the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness.” I wanted to emphasize that verity.
God gave every single one of us a mind and a conscience. He keeps human depravity in check. He won’t let destruction run rampant. Yes, there are many evils in the world, we see. There are drunkards, murderers, rapists, and thieves. There are slave traders, those who abuse power, and even those who exploit their own people. But thanks to God keeping our depravity in check, we’re not all lying in our caskets right at this point.
By God’s grace, we are alive. By the Lord’s mercy, we aren’t struck dead by His hand, though we have every right to be condemned and die a miserable death in hell. We all have a choice to accept Him as our Savior. And if a true Christian truly accepts God in his heart, he will never regret his decision. Never.
The Romans Road of Salvation gives us three things we can do to be saved.
A—Acknowledge: Acknowledge that you are a sinner in need of salvation and that you need Christ. You are not independent from God; you need God and learn from God. Without Him, you are spiritually dead.
B—Believe: Believe that Jesus died on the cross to save you and He was buried and rose again the third day out of that grave for YOU! Jesus conquered death and reigns on His throne in heaven.
C—Confess: Confess your sins to Him and ask for forgiveness. Beg Him to enter into your heart and be your Lord and Savior. He will govern your life the moment You ask Him to. You don’t need to pray in a fancy manner; just ask for forgiveness, confess your sins, and believe on Christ.
Dear readers, I hope you will respond to the truth of the gospel if you have not already. God loves all and wants to save all.
Next book is coming up, and see you then! God bless you all, my friends!
Dear Cloudy,
Prism Plains is the best! My new Christian school, Jehovah Elementary, is amazing! My teachers are so nice and my classmates are very kind. I even made a new friend! Her name is Alicia Flasher. She’s great at singing and even plays the organ at church!
Dad is making a lot of money at his job. He’s great at what he does. Mom is fine too. So are my brothers. She says they’ll be born any day now. I can’t wait!
How is your family? How are the Stellarums? And my other friends? I really miss you guys a lot, but God has provided so many new opportunities for me. If ever I get too sad about you guys, I read Miss Scazzarda’s card and then feel better.
God is good! I truly love Him!
Say hello to all my friends back in Spring Breeze for me!
Your friend,
Miriam.
* * *
Dear Miriam,
Everyone is just fine back here in Spring Breeze! We’re all learning to cope with you being gone, but we miss you lots, though, and hope you come for a visit soon!
I’m glad to hear you have a new friend! I would like to meet her someday. I’m also happy your dad is doing well at his job and that your mother and brothers are doing wonderfully. I’m also glad you’re still trusting in God and that you read Miss Scazzarda’s Scripture card when you feel down about us.
Oh, by the way, I have big news! Do you remember Derek, who helped rescue you from Joseph Unswall? I went to the prison with my mom a few days ago and learned he became saved! He’s now a child of God! That’s so exciting, isn’t it? I’m glad he finally saw the truth and accepted Jesus as His Savior!
Another piece of news: A church is being built next to Oromo Thuli! Now we’ll have a church to go to on Sundays! I went to the construction sight with Daddy two days ago and saw the building materials lying all over the ground. It’s hard to believe those pieces of wood, brick, and metal will one day become a tall building with a steeple. Strange to think about, hm?
I’ll keep you updated on any news in the future! For now, farewell! I love you a lot and wish you the best in your life, sweet friend!
God be praised!
Sincerely,
Cloudburst (Cloudy).”
~ ~ ~
Thus ends another book, dear readers. But always remember: God is always with you. In the highs and lows, good and bad, dark and light, He will never forsake you. No matter if you’re a sinner or a saint, no matter if you’re an agnostic or a believer, He will always be with you and love you.
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