Today, I need to talk to you readers about a post that really spoke to me about friendship: “Beautiful Little Weirdos” by Livora Gracely, author of the WordPress site livoragracely.wordpress.com
This post was amazing in that it described friendship in a way I never could. Friendship is a beautiful thing that God gave us as a wonderful gift so we would never be alone. Humans are social, and being alone is unnatural. Friendship was given so we could be around each other, love one another, help one another, know one another.
Livora’s post is amazing in that it taught that friendship became stronger through nonsense and “real friends are not impressed by perfection anyway” is all true. The truth about friends that “laugh at your strange stories, understand your random moods, and somehow survive your dramatic ‘I’m fine’ speeches without running away” is so profound. Good and true friends will love you, even in your imperfection and strangeness.
When Livora mentioned that “friendship is often built from tiny moments nobody plans”, I was blown away. That was so simple and yet so strong. True friends bond over the smallest things, whether it be eating lunch together or chatting back and forth at three o’clock in the morning. The simplest things friends learn to love usually begin with the one whom they are befriending.
True friends are also good for therapy; they remind you that bad things are not the end of the world. They stick up for you through your worst moments and pray with you, love you, stay with you when you need them. . .the whole nine yards.
Livora finished with this amazing outro: “Maybe that is why friendship feels magical without trying too hard. It gives people a place where they can be unfinished, imperfect, loud, quiet, awkward, hopeful, and still deeply loved. Honestly, that kind of connection is rarer than treasure and probably healthier than overthinking everything alone.”
That is a beautiful truth that we all should embrace. God was so gracious to give us friendship and friends. We should thank God every day for our friends and for every little moment we spend with them, for they are our special gift.
Thanks, Livora, for writing this post! You truly have an amazing gift for words and are a terrific author! The Lord bless you and may you continue to write to remember and share to inspire, my friend!
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.
“Where’s the frosting? I know I left it on the kitchen counter. . .”
It was Liloy’s birthday, and Cloudy and her family and friends were putting on the final touches for the party. Liloy was due to arrive any minute now, and they were barely halfway done with the little jobs.
“Whoa! What the? Help!” hollered Sniper, struggling and wriggling to free himself from a tangled mess of balloon strings. “Get me out!”
“Okay. Hold still, Wiggly the Worm,” teased Cloudy. She took hold of an intractable piece of string in her mouth and tugged at it, untying the knot which held her brother captive. He shook the strings off his body and smiled his thanks. She flashed a grin at him and walked back to her place beside her mother, who was squeezing swirls of white frosting from a toothpaste-shaped tube onto the three-layer chocolate cake.
For a minute or two, no noise was heard except the rustling of the bushes’ leaves and the tinkling of the colorful bronze tassels dangling from the unicorn piñata. Then Sniper, who was playing lookout at the corner of the house, waved his paw wildly and hissed out, “They’re coming! They’re coming! Hurry and hide!” They all scrambled to conceal themselves from view and succeeded just as Liloy and Meta Knight stepped under the ivy-covered overhead trellis and into the garden.
Liloy paused a moment to savor the scene. Ten pastel-hued balloons were tied to the sandalwood picnic table, on which sat several presents shrouded in flashy wrapping paper. On a separate table, a marvelous cake of beautiful craftsmanship sat proudly on a silver dish. Beside the cake was a stack of china dishes and silverware. The piñata, hoisted from a branch in an old oak tree, swayed in the frequent gusts of wind. Various chairs and logs were placed in a ring around a crackling bonfire. A guitar leaned against one of the chairs.
“Guys?” prompted Liloy a little nervously. “Where are you?”
Liloy nearly jumped out of her skin when Sniper swung down from a rope attached to the top of the drainpipe and shouted in her ear: “Happy Birthday!”
“Yike!” Liloy cried, whirling to face him as he stood there grinning at her. “S-Sniper!”
“Gotcha!” Sniper fell back on the ground, kicking his legs and laughing hysterically. Liloy glared down at him, trying to appear stern, but she couldn’t help herself. She began to laugh too.
“Happy Birthday!” Cloudy and Star hollered as they leaped out from behind a patch of tall sunflowers.
Sniper’s brothers appeared from beneath the swing set.
Springtime and Showerstorm popped out from underneath the picnic table.
Miriam and her friends jumped out from behind the oak tree.
Scazzarda, Meredith, and Leo stepped out of the garden shed.
Together they gathered around Liloy and began congratulating her and wishing her many years of life and happiness. Liloy’s lively eyes danced with rapture and enlightenment as she hugged each of her friends and thanked them.
“Wow,” Liloy said, gazing at the garden. “You all did a wonderful job fixing up this party for me!”
“It took quite a while,” said Cloudy mildly, “but we managed to finish it in time.”
“Barely,” Sniper whispered to Yodi.
“Well, it’s fantastic!” Liloy complimented them. She smiled a little sadly as she again took in the beautiful sight. “I just wish Tilry could be here.”
Cloudy wished the subject of Tilry wouldn’t be brought up. She had practically forgotten about him in anticipation of this glorious, long-awaited day. Now a feeling of shame and sorrow swept over her as she recalled yesterday. She didn’t want the fact of Tilry’s absence to ruin the day. So how else could she make Liloy feel better?
“Um, hey, everyone?” Cloudy said in a too-bright tone. “We should really get this party started, don’t you think?”
Liloy seemed relieved at the change in topic. “Yeah. We should.” She turned toward the others, pasting a happy smile on her face and attempting to appear joyful. “Well?”
Scazzarda and Leo glanced at each other and gave imperceptible nods.
“All right!” Sniper shouted.
They all tramped over to the table on which sat the cake. Seventeen candles were positioned atop the rich delicacy. Liloy laughed at how tall the cake was. “You must have used a huge oven for this!” she giggled.
“Only the best for our friend,” Cloudy replied, smiling brightly.
Liloy looked down at Cloudy and grinned. “And whose idea was it to put my face on the side of the cake?”
“Mine,” Cloudy answered, beaming with pride. “I figured it would be a nice touch. After all, it is your birthday. . .and your cake.”
“Maybe we should trying doing that for Father’s birthday,” Liloy joked, “which, by the way, Cloudy, is two days after yours.”
“Whoa! Really?” Sniper stared at Meta Knight in surprise. “So cool!”
“Yes, it is. But anyway,” Springtime broke in, “we should be singing ‘Happy Birthday’ to Liloy right about now, should we not? Everyone ready? A one and a two and a three and a four. . .”
“Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday, dear Liloy! Happy Birthday to you!”
“Thank you all so much,” Liloy said when the song was finished. “You were all in perfect harmony.”
“Yeah?” Leo cleared his throat and pretended to look solemn. “Well, you’re fixing to hear our perfect voices again later today, because we’re going to be singing around the fire together.”
“Oh, how exciting!” Liloy said happily. “I love singing. In fact, when I was in fifth grade, I won fist place in a singing contest hosted by our school.”
“What song did you sing?” Cloudy questioned.
“Um, I don’t recall,” Liloy admitted, scratching her head. “But I do know I won. I still have the trophy somewhere in our attic.”
“Neat! Then how about you lead the singing tonight?” Cloudy asked.
Liloy was taken aback for a moment at such a suggestion. “Oh, no, I couldn’t possibly!” she protested. “My-My voice isn’t that good anymore. Besides, I haven’t sung in at least two years or so.”
“Nonsense!” Star exclaimed. “I bet your voice is wonderful.” She gave Liloy a pleading look. “Oh, please lead the singing!”
Liloy seemed unconvinced. “I don’t know. . .”
“Please?” Star asked in a small voice.
Liloy sighed and swished her cape. “I don’t know if I’ll be able to do this without caterwauling or shattering your eardrums, but. . .okay. I’ll do it.”
Cloudy frowned. Why does Liloy think she’s a bad singer? she wondered, staring at her friend. That’s very odd. For a girl who won first place in a singing contest, she sure doesn’t act confident in her talent to sing. Perhaps it’s because of the recent events she’s gone through? Maybe she just needs a little encouragement, is all.
After the cake was devoured, Springtime declared it was time for presents.
“Wow!” Liloy gasped, seeing the tower of gifts. “How many trucks did it take to load all of these?!”
The children broke up at the witty question and the adults seemed faintly amused. Meta Knight, on the other hand, didn’t laugh or smile. He stood a little ways back from the group, silently observing the scene that was about to unfold before him.
Liloy took the first box handed her by Scazzarda and gingerly began tearing the hand-painted paper. Inside was a wooden carving of a prancing horse. Liloy knew who had created this masterpiece. No one else but Leo could have done such a thing. She smiled up at him. “Thank you, Leo.”
“You’re welcome,” Leo responded.
Liloy accepted the second package and carefully opened it. Inside was a handmade purse with fluffy purple tassels. She squinted at the gift, as if trying to place who had given it to her. Then her yellow eyes lit up. “Grandmother, you made this!” she exclaimed, looking up at Scazzarda.
“Who, me?” Scazzarda asked innocently. “Now, why on earth would you think it was me, of all people?”
Cloudy and her siblings erupted into laughter.
“Because you have a purse similar to this one,” Liloy pointed out, “and you designed that one yourself.”
Cloudy smothered a grin. “She’s got you there, Miss Scazzarda.”
Scazzarda chuckled and shook her head. “Of course she has.”
Liloy opened the next one, which was from Meredith. It was a beautiful charm bracelet with the verse John 3:16 painted on it. She slipped the bracelet onto her wrist and held it to the winter sunlight, admiring it. “Meredith, this is lovely,” she complimented her. “Did you make this?”
“Yes, I did,” Meredith answered. “I sometimes make handmade jewelry and sell it online. That’s my hobby.”
The rest of the gifts were exquisite—minus the dead cockroach Sniper gave her—and Liloy said so. She was pleased by the presents, but even more pleased by her friends’ generous hearts. “Even if the present is a roach,” she laughed.
Cloudy frowned slightly as she gazed at the pile of gifts lying at Liloy’s feet. “But wait,” she said. “We’re missing someone, aren’t we? Meta Knight didn’t give you a gift.”
“Did he forget?” Sniper asked sarcastically. “Or does he just not care?”
Cloudy gave her brother a withering look. “Meta Knight not caring about Liloy is about as likely as you ever growing up and acting your age,” she shot back.
Star giggled. Sniper looked insulted, but kept quiet.
“I did not forget you, Liloy,” Meta Knight spoke, walking to the front of the group and letting himself out of his cape. In his hand was clutched a few pieces of paper. Cloudy crinkled her brow in puzzlement. What kind of gift was paper? Still, she figured Meta Knight had his reasons.
Meta Knight extended the papers to his daughter and she hesitantly took them, unsure of what was written on the smooth sheets. She unfolded the papers, her eyes scanning the pages as she silently read through each one. Meta Knight lowered his head and released a low, shaky breath. Cloudy stood where she was, waiting, watching, feeling that something was going to happen. But she wasn’t sure what.
After a time, Liloy raised her head from the papers and glanced around at her silent friends. “What is it?” Cloudy asked quietly.
Liloy sighed and a sad smile formed on her lips. “This is a letter from Father to me. And. . .I would like to read it to you.”
Springtime and Showerstorm exchanged wondering looks. Cloudy curled up on the grass, prepared to listen.
Liloy smoothed out the sheets and cleared her throat, then began reading aloud the letter:
“My dearest Liloy, I am writing this to you to express my feelings about you and your growth, physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. My daughter, you are indeed different from most in the world today. You serve your God and submit to His will, and you love as you say He loves. You are kind, loving, beautiful, sweet, and empathetic. When you became my daughter, I wanted you to have a life unlike and much better than mine. My life was filled with much trauma and horror, and I wanted you to feel loved and safe. But when your mother left, I felt like I was falling apart. I was left to raise you and your brother on my own, and I was determined to do so. But every night for the first year after your mother left, I couldn’t sleep and struggled with insomnia. I was afraid I was going to screw you up, and when your brother began to stray away and do questionable things, I was scared to death. I blamed myself for his wandering and drinking. But the only thing that gave me courage was your unshakable faith. You never once doubted. You never once asked why your brother strayed onto the wrong path. You remained faithful to your God. You possessed peace I did not. After your marriage and Tilry’s diagnosis, the pangs of fear I felt from time to time occurred less and less, but became stronger and stronger. I was worried something was going to go terribly wrong with you or Tilry like it had with Gregory, and I did not want a repeat of your brother’s straying. But your faithfulness to your God and everything you held dear assured me you were not going anywhere. But as of recent events. . . When you were abducted by Joseph, I was terrified for your safety. I didn’t know what was happening to me or why. I was breaking under the weight of the pressure I was under, and no one could truly see how much I was close to giving up—except for Cloudy. She is a priceless treasure of hope and love. Her faith beams bright in this dark, evil world, as does yours, my daughter. No one could describe the relief I felt when you were found and rescued. But at the same time, no one could describe the stress and sadness I felt. Actually, stress and sadness doesn’t even begin to define how I felt. It was worse, far worse, but your faith and Cloudy’s love and kindness made me feel better and showed me I didn’t always have to suppress how I felt. My daughter, there are no words to tell you how much I love you and appreciate you. But you mean the world to me. I could never stress or make you fully comprehend my undying love for you. You are one-of-a-kind and I would never trade you for any other daughter in the world. I love you, Liloy. Your father, Magnus Stellarum.”
Cloudy felt as though she had been slapped across the head with a club; she was that stunned. Meredith was wiping tears from her eyes and Springtime was looking at Liloy with a smile. Leo was holding Miriam in his arms, tears streaming down his face. The children’s face showed solemnity and bewilderment.
Liloy raised her head and gazed at her father, who was looking away from her. He wrapped his cape around himself with shaking hands. Liloy continued to look at him, love in her eyes. Cloudy found the silence increasingly awkward and wished with all her heart that someone would say something—anything!
At length, the knight finally spoke. “Liloy, I didn’t. . .” he began, but Liloy put a finger to her lips, shushing him.
“Don’t say anything,” she told him in a gentle voice. “I know exactly what you’re going to say, and it’s not true. This means so much more to me than all of these other gifts combined, and I’m not going to pretend the letter means less. It’s a beautiful gift, Father, and you are a wonderful parent to me. I wish I could tell you how much I love you, but there are no words to tell you, Father.” She reached out and grasped his trembling hands, smiling at him, tears in her eyes. “You are indeed someone every special to me, Father.”
Meta Knight couldn’t say anything; he was too overwhelmed. Instead he embraced his daughter tightly, feeling happier than he had in days. The others began to applaud, their faces shining with pure joy. Cloudy barked, backflipped twice, and released a howl of excitement.
“Truly the Lord’s at work here!” Star murmured under her breath. “There’s a change in the air. . .I just know it.”
Liloy and her father separated from their embrace, still holding each other’s hands, smiling softly at one another. Cloudy grinned at the two and yipped, directing their attention toward her. “Cloudburst, what is it?” Meta Knight asked.
“Come on, you two!” cried Cloudy, doing a rough-and-tumble. “What are you waiting for? It’s party time!”
Liloy laughed. “You’re right, Cloudy! It is indeed party time!” She tugged at her father’s hand. “Let’s go see what’s next, Father.”
It turned out that next was games. First up was Charades. Cloudy was picked to act out the first charade. She smiled as she gazed at the oak tree, the piñata swinging from the lowermost branch. She knew exactly which charade to act.
Cloudy began by gesturing to the sky and pretending someone was speaking to her from above. Then she followed by pretending to swing an axe and chop wood, then building what appeared to be a boat. Then she made wave-like motions beating against the imaginary boat and rain coming down in great sheets.
“I know! I know!” Star cried, dancing about eagerly.
“Yes?” Cloudy prompted.
“Noah’s ark!” cried Star, letting out a howl of triumph.
“Yeah! Good job!” Cloudy high-pawed her older sister.
After a few more charades, Tag was next. Cloudy won hands down. No matter who was chasing her, she could always avoid being touched by him. No one could figure out how she managed to dodge being tapped, but she did nonetheless.
The next game was the Sack Race. The kids split into two teams and each stepped into a gunnysack and lined up at the marked starting line. When Liloy called out the signal to go, the teams hopped to get to the finish line first, most ending up sprawled out flat on the grass. The adults were laughing hysterically at the children’s comical accidents and spills. Zach crossed the finish line first. Eloise was a close second, and Miriam was third.
The third game was Hide and Seek. Cloudy was the only one out of all the children not to be found, and everyone was confused about where she was until she crawled from below the garden shed. Then embarrassment loomed.
Then came the time to whack open the piñata. Liloy was first to try. She blindfolded and handed the club, and wham! she smacked her target head-on. Candy spilled all over the ground and the children scrambled to collect as much as they could. Liloy giggled at their excited cries of delight and the argument that ensued between Sniper and Waffle over who had the most candy.
All this furor continued past late afternoon and until the sun began to set. Then Springtime called the others to the bonfire. A few drained children flopped into the chairs. Liloy and Meta Knight seated themselves together on a log while Leo took up his guitar and sat across from the birthday girl and her father. Cloudy sighed with delight as she curled up by Scazzarda, who was stoking the dying embers with a thin metal rod.
Leo tuned up his guitar and smiled at Liloy. “What song would you like to sing tonight?”
Liloy looked into the fire and grinned. “‘Who Else’, by Liliya Chekh. I love that song.”
Cloudy smiled as she realized she recognized the song, though she had never heard Chekh’s version of it. She was curious to know how it went.
“Sure. Whatever you desire.” Leo tried a few chords until he reached one that was satisfactory. “Okay, are you ready?”
Liloy took Meta Knight’s hand. “Yes.”
Leo began playing the soft but powerful tune and Liloy began to sing, her voice melding with the thrums of the guitar strings.
“I am an instrument of exaltation, And I was born to lift Your Name above all Names. You hear the melody Of all creation, But I have songs of praise Not even angels sing.
Who else is worthy? Who else is worthy? There is no one; Only You, Jesus. Who else is worthy? Who else is worthy? There is no one; Only You, Jesus.”
Leo nodded toward the girls, motioning for them to join in the singing. They gladly obliged.
“You are the infinite God of the ages, Yet You chose to make My heart Your dwelling place. You healed my brokenness, Showed me Your glory; So I have songs of thanks Not even angels sing.
Who else is worthy? Who else is worthy? There is no one; Only You, Jesus. Who else is worthy? Who else is worthy? There is no one; Only You, Jesus. Who else is worthy? Who else is worthy? There is no one; Only You, Jesus. Who else is worthy? Who else is worthy? There is no one; Only You, Jesus.”
As Cloudy sang, she felt a deep peace bubble up inside of her and spread throughout her body. She smiled, her fangs glowing orange in the flickering, dancing tongues of flame, her emerald eyes reflecting the heated glow of the embers. They were almost to the bridge, which was one of Cloudy’s favorite parts.
“Lamb of God, anointed One, Who was and is and is to come, Seated on the throne above; Holy, holy! Righteous One Who shed His blood; You proved to us the Father’s love. Jesus Christ, be lifted up! Holy, holy! Lamb of God, anointed One, Who was and is and is to come! Oh, ohhh! You are and You are Righteous one Who shed His blood You proved to us the Father’s love. Jesus Christ, be lifted up!”
“Take it away, children!” Liloy called.
“Who else is worthy? Who else is worthy? There is no one; Only You, Jesus. Who else is worthy? Who else is worthy? There is no one, It’s only You, Jesus.
There is no one; It’s only You, Jesus.”
There was a slight pause and then everyone camped round the fire, including Meta Knight himself, completed the outro:
“There is no one; It’s only You, Jesus.”
Cloudy felt a bittersweet crest of happiness sail over her, burying her in mixed feelings of bliss and sorrow. For she knew that this had been a completely wonderful day, and she would remember it for always and replay it over and over again in her mind. But tomorrow Miriam would be gone, off to live in Prism Plains, and she would never come back here to live. And that was by far the blackest part of the entire day.
_____________________
Note: “Who Else” in Liliya Chekh’s version was written and sung by Liliya Chekh. All credit for this song goes to her.
Cloudy sat in the waiting room of Oromo Thuli Hospital with Liloy, waiting for news of Meta Knight, Derek, and Miriam. Her mind flipped back through the pages of the events that had taken place over the last few days. First the moving announcement from Miriam; then Joseph driving through Spring Breeze and abducting Liloy and Miriam; then the search-and-rescue mission; Joe and Sam’s arrest and Derek’s joining forces with Meta Knight and Cloudy; Derek’s running off and the bomb explosion; Joseph cornering them and Derek’s injury; and their miraculous escape. Cloudy knew she would never want to experience anything that frightening ever again. Unfortunately, this wouldn’t be the last time she would go through something truly terrifying. As she later came to realize, her entire life practically revolved around danger.
Just then, the nurse opened the waiting room door and smiled kindly at the two girls. Cloudy rose to her feet. “How are they?” she inquired.
“They’re just fine,” the nurse said. Cloudy and Liloy heaved collective sighs of relief. “Miriam and the knight can go home tomorrow, but they’ll have to take it easy the first few days.”
“And Derek?” Liloy asked.
The nurse’s smile slipped a notch. “Well, he was injured a lot worse than supposed. He may be here a few days, possibly a week. The knife split his forehead nearly to the brain. It’s a pretty bad wound. Had the blade actually hit his brain, the wound would have been fatal.”
Cloudy bit her lip and swiveled her head around to glance up at Liloy. The older woman glanced down at Cloudy with a mixture of sorrow and indecision in her eyes. Then Cloudy turned back to the nurse. “May we see our friends?”
“Certainly,” the nurse agreed, holding open the door for them. “The knight and Miriam are hanging out in Tilry’s room—Room 416. Derek’s two rooms down from them.”
“Thanks,” answered Cloudy, her tone sincere. She rushed past the nurse and trotted to the elevator. As soon as she and Liloy were inside, Liloy pressed the button for the fourth floor. Cloudy stayed perfectly still as the elevator began to rise, enjoying the funny feeling of the ascent. When the doors slid open, they stepped out and began strolling leisurely down the hallway. Cloudy studied each room number as they passed by, looking for the correct one. “Here we are,” she said finally, halting in front of a varnished door. “Room 416.”
Liloy took a deep breath and softly rapped on the door. From within answered a weak voice, “Come in!”
Liloy turned the brass knob, pushed open the wooden door, and marched inside, Cloudy following suit. Tilry was sitting up in bed, Meta Knight seated in a chair beside him. Tilry’s dull eyes brightened with joy when he saw his wife. “Liloy!” he whispered, his voice trembling.
Liloy merely grinned, her face glowing radiant with happiness and overwhelming joy. She felt like crying but knew that would in no way suit this wonderful occasion of being reunited with her loved ones. “Hello, Tilry.” She walked over to him and sat on the edge of the bed.
“Cloudy!” cheered Miriam. She jumped up from the corner where she had been sitting and hugged her best friend. Cloudy noticed Miriam’s arm was swaddled in a clean white bandage that started at the wrist, extended past the elbow, and ended just a few inches below the shoulder.
“How are you feeling?” asked Cloudy.
Miriam smiled grimly. “Okay, I guess—except I’m a little sore from my gunshot wound.” She gave a low, hollow laugh. Then her grimness was replaced by a sincere smile of joy. “Actually, I’m especially feeling wonderful now that I’m back among those whom I know I can actually trust.” She cast a knowing look over her shoulder at Meta Knight, who imperceptibly nodded at her to show he understood.
“Oh, I’m so glad you and Sir Meta Knight showed up and saved us!” Miriam exclaimed, heaving a long sigh of deep, intimate relief. “I don’t think I could have spent another minute in that cold, stuffy prison. If I had, I would have screamed my head off.”
Cloudy had to giggle at the thought. Instantly she became sober. “In all seriousness, I’m glad we rescued you when we did,” she spoke. “Otherwise, you probably would have died.”
“Yeah,” nodded Miriam, her face becoming grave.
There resounded another knock on the door and Miriam went to answer it. A few seconds later, Cloudy heard her shriek with excitement and in rushed Nika and Eloise, their arms around Miriam. All three were hopping up and down and chattering endlessly and squealing with intense delight. Eloise spotted Cloudy and ran over to her, wrapping her arms around the puppy’s neck and hugging her. Cloudy’s oxygen supply was nearly cut off, but she managed to smile and greet her friend, “Hi, Eloise!”
And at that moment, who should enter but Zach! Arrow was beside him. “Hello, everyone!” Arrow joyfully called. When his eyes landed on Cloudy, a broad grin spread across his face and he leaped over to her in three bounds and, oblivious to the others watching, embraced her with all of his strength.
“Don’t forget me!” Lily cried, leaping into the room and landing squarely on all fours, her tail wagging at top speed.
“Lily!” Cloudy exclaimed.
“Cloudy!” responded Lily.
Then in walked Leo, Meredith, and Scazzarda! They stopped short in the doorway and stared incredulously at the vast array of children jumping and swinging around and chatting all at once, laughing and squealing alternately. Liloy caught her grandmother’s eye and made a gesture of joy with her fingers, the faintest smile on her lips.
Scazzarda chuckled. “I take it they’re all glad to be back together?”
“Right,” Liloy replied.
“Okay, kids, settle down!” Meredith called out gently. The children cut their merrymaking and gazed at her with wide solemn eyes filled with respect. Meredith gently shut the door and sat down daintily in an upholstered chair, motioning for them to sit or stand quietly. When everyone was settled, she said, “Now Cloudy, why don’t you tell us about your—uh —adventure with Joseph?”
When Meredith made that request, it was as if the sun hid behind the clouds. Cloudy’s excited, enthusiastic expression she had been wearing with her friends gave way to a tight, angry look. She made a face of disgust and loathing. “I don’t want to talk about it,” she answered in a half-despondent, half-angry tone, her emerald eyes flashing. “I hated every minute of it—the fear and horror we endured, the bomb explosion, and Joseph’s threats! The worst part was when we were nearly killed! It’s a good thing the police showed up at the right time; otherwise, we would be mutilated and bleeding on the cabin floor right about now! We barely escaped with our lives!” She stamped her foot on the floor, her voice rising unexpectedly in shrill rage. “Why must I keep retelling my terrors and bringing up bad memories that I’d much rather forget?!”
Eloise gasped and recoiled, shocked that Cloudy would speak to an adult in such a way. But Meredith seemed to understand Cloudy’s frustration and misery with bringing up touchy subjects. “I see, dear,” she murmured. “Well, if you don’t wish to tell us, you may not, And if you want to keep it to yourself, do so, by all means.”
Cloudy nodded, still looking angry. She lay down on the linoleum tiles, her chin resting on her front paws.
Meanwhile, Tilry hadn’t said a word in all this time. He just watched in silence while Cloudy gave her heated tirade, his expression neutral. But when Cloudy was silent and the entire room was quiet, he sighed and turned his head to look up into his wife’s face. “Liloy, why didn’t you call and tell me you had been kidnapped?” he demanded in an anxious voice, taking her hand.
“I asked Father not to speak of the matter to you,” Liloy explained, “because I didn’t want you to worry.”
“‘Didn’t want me to worry?'” he repeated. His hand clenched tightly around Liloy’s. “I was freaking out over your disappearance! I didn’t know what had happened until Eloise got word from the authorities that you were with Joseph! I had to hear about your abduction from her!”
Cloudy was astounded and completely dumbfounded by that announcement. She turned to Eloise, who looked very embarrassed. She dropped her eyes to the floor when she noticed Cloudy staring at her. “You told Tilry Liloy was kidnapped by a serial killer?!” she exclaimed. “In his critical condition?!! Eloise, why would you do such a thing!”
Eloise didn’t meet Cloudy’s eyes when she spoke. “He was terribly worried about her almost to death, Cloudy,” she slowly answered. “I—I just figured maybe. . .if he knew where she was, he wouldn’t worry so much.”
“Yeah?! And how you think he felt after you told him his spouse was with a murderer who was recently jailed for maiming and killing several innocent people who never did him a lick of harm?!” yelled Cloudy. “I wouldn’t imagine he brought out the noisemakers and party hats! And as for him being worried almost to death, maybe it would have been better never to tell him at all! The way I see it, it would have been better for him to die not knowing of Liloy’s horrible predicament than to nearly kill himself with extreme anguish over her kidnapping by the inappropriate serial killer, Joseph Unswall!” The minute the rude, horrid words left her mouth, she was ashamed of herself.
Meredith let out a loud gasp of horror and placed her hand over her mouth. Leo stared at Cloudy in disbelief. Meta Knight lowered his head as if in shame. And Liloy just looked plain upset. Cloudy focused on the several pairs of eyes staring at her. She hadn’t meant to say something so brusque or even to indirectly imply that Tilry should have died.
Tilry blinked at Cloudy a few times, undecided as to whether he should scold her or keep quiet. Finally, he decided to refrain from rebuking her. Instead he turned to Meta Knight. “Father, you explain this,” he ordered in a stern voice. “Why did you not tell me where Liloy was when you already knew?”
Meta Knight sighed deeply. “Tilry, she asked me not to. And I did not want. . .to worry you.” His voice faltered as he went on, ” I just. . .did not want you. . .to worry. . .was all.”
Tilry’s face showed agony. “Father, you know how much I love Liloy. I love her with all of my heart. And I love you too. So much. But I hate it when you feel as if you have to keep something from me because you’re afraid I’m going to get angry at you or react badly.”
Cloudy raised her head and stared at Tilry. What did he mean by that?
Meta Knight shook his head. “Tilry, I. . .” He alternately clenched and unclenched the folds of his cape. Cloudy could feel the tension rising, and she was frightened by that for reasons she could not explain. “Tilry, I can’t. . .You know I. . .”
“Father!” Tilry’s voice was nearly at the breaking point. “Speak the complete truth about why you did not let me know Liloy was kidnapped! I know it wasn’t just because you didn’t want to worry me. There’s more to it that you’re not telling me.” He reached over and took his father-in-law’s hand. “Father, I beg you. . .please tell me the complete truth.”
Meta Knight glanced down at their joined hands and closed his eyes. Somehow Tilry’s raw vulnerability and honesty gave him the strength to tell the truth. “In truth, Tilry, I—I didn’t tell you because—I can’t stand to look at you. I didn’t want to face you with the truth because I can’t even look at you in your deteriorating state of health.” Overcome with emotion, he couldn’t go on.
The breath Cloudy had been holding in her lungs slowly hissed out. Her ears drooped. She felt sad for Meta Knight. How hard it must have been for him to admit such a thing, she thought, admiration in her eyes. But how terribly sad at the same time. Looking round at her friends, she could tell they felt the same way she did.
Tilry gazed at Meta Knight for the longest time, the love in his eyes salient. Tears filled his eyes and one dropped down on his cheek. A sob emanated from his throat, his body trembling uncontrollably. He raised his hand to hide the tears streaming down his face, but Cloudy saw them. She gasped soundly.
“Tilry,” Liloy pleaded with her husband, tears in her own eyes, “listen to me, babe. Father loves you very much, but this has been extremely hard on him. He would never abandon you, but there are times he needs to step back and think over hard situations.”
Tilry didn’t reply. He sat hunched, one hand covering his eyes, weeping. Scazzarda put an arm around Meredith, who was crying. Leo didn’t cry, but he was obviously touched by the scene. Miriam and the other children did not cry, but stared wide-eyed at the adults, their faces showing slight bewilderment. Meta Knight didn’t know what to say. He felt terrible.
“I’m sorry I hurt you,” Meta Knight whispered, “but you asked me for the truth, my son.” Tears sprang to his eyes. “I didn’t mean. . .”
“Father,” Tilry interrupted, getting control of his emotions and wiping his eyes. “You did not hurt me. I understand the truth is blunt sometimes, but I am not angry with you. I promise.” He let out his breath. “I just felt very overwhelmed by all of this—my hospitalization, Liloy’s abduction—and I broke.” His hands began to shake. “I didn’t mean to cause you so much grief. I’m sorry. I’m so sorry.”
“No!” Meta Knight objected. “No, Tilry. I love you, and I always will. You’re not causing me grief. I’m pained to see you in this condition, but you are not in any way causing trouble for me, so do not think you are.” He smiled sadly, though Tilry could not see it. “You’re very valuable to me, and I would not want to lose you for the world. No matter what happens in your life, you’ll always be precious to me.”
Tilry grasped both of Meta Knight’s hands in his, fighting back tears. Then the two embraced as everyone watched. Eloise lifted her hands and began to clap, and one by one, the others joined in the clapping. Soon the whole room echoed with applause.
Meta Knight and Tilry disentangled themselves from their embrace and smiled at their joyous, acclimating friends. Scazzarda meandered up to Tilry and fondled him. Then she did the same to her son. He returned the tender affection, his eyes gleaming light blue. The others began to participate in the hugging. Laughter, bear hugs, and tears shared a part of the sweet, emotional scene young Cloudy was witnessing.
But as Cloudy observed her jubilant friends winging round and round the room, sheer elation written on their faces; and when she saw Meta Knight and Tilry, their hands clasped, the smallest smile sprang to her lips. Yes, Tilry, you are indeed precious to Meta Knight. You’re precious to all of us. I love you more than you’ll ever know.
Tilry laughed and brushed his eyes with the back of his hand. “I’m sorry about all of this, children,” he apologized. “I don’t think you can really comprehend this at your age. You probably think this is odd.”
“No, sir,” answered Eloise in a no-nonsense intonation, firmly but respectfully. “We may be pretty young, but we’re not ignorant. We understand your situation completely.”
“That’s right,” Nika chimed. “Kids are a lot smarter and fathom way more than their executives think.”
Tilry had to smile at that statement. It was true, he knew. His father had once told him the very same thing. “You’re right.” He sighed and leaned back against the pillows, suddenly seeming very drained. Eloise felt sorry for him. He had been through so much in so short a time.
Meredith too noticed Tilry’s exhaustion. “Come, children,” she said in a low voice. “Let’s leave Tilry to his rest.” She opened the door and moved outside, Scazzarda and Leo behind her.
The other kids languidly trooped out of the room, Cloudy halting only once to look back at speak to Tilry. “See you later, Tilry,” she murmured. “I’ll be praying for you—and for your life.”
Tilry smiled tiredly at her. “Bless you, child,” he told her.
Cloudy smiled too, a feeling of warmth and ecstasy moving through her. As she passed out of the room and smoothly shut the door, she prayed in her heart, “Thank You, Jesus, for keeping me, Miriam, Liloy, Derek, and Meta Knight safe while in Joseph’s habitation. And thank You for helping us escape with our lives. I love You forever, Jesus. Amen.” Then she trotted down the hallway, turned the corner, and was gone.
(Set after the “Fright to the Finish” movie from Kirby! Right Back at Ya.)
It was a warm summer night in Cappy Town. Fireflies flitted about, the stars twinkled and winked at the townsfolk, and bullfrogs croaked loudly and splashed in the river. Tiffany Ebrum and her parents stood on the bridge outside of Cappy Town, watching the stars and commenting on how gorgeous the night sky was.
“A lovely night, my dear,” Sir Ebrum told his wife.
“Yes. I’ve never witnessed a more beautiful summer,” Lady Like replied.
Tiff did not reply. She merely gazed in silence at the water.
* * * *
“Tonight, we stood on the bridge and watched the stars. They seemed to be smiling down on us. Often, I imagine the stars as angels, gazing down at us and guarding us, keeping us safe from all harm. Everywhere I go, I feel watched. . .but in a comforting way.”
Tiff closed her journal and snapped the lock shut. Placing the brightly colored book on her nightstand and setting the pen on top, she jumped off her bed and walked onto the balcony. There were the stars. . .watching over her just as she had written.
Tiff stood there a moment longer, thinking back over the events of the last few weeks. Recently, her town had been attacked by Destroya ships and had been wrecked to a pile of rubble. She and a few others volunteered to fight Nightmare in the Halberd, Meta Knight’s battleship. Unfortunately, the crew members had been trapped inside the fortress and were forced to abandon the Halberd. Tiff had been kidnapped by Dedede and Escargoon and then ended up in the hands of Nightmare. Luckily, young Kirby came to the rescue and defeated Nightmare with the Star Rod, the only thing the demon was susceptible to.
But now everything was back to normal. . .or was it?
Tiff knew everything ought to be back to normal, but deep down she knew it wasn’t. Something was off. Something was unbalanced. Something was not as it was supposed to be.
Dedede was acting strange, almost sick.
Escargoon was being sly and secretive.
Meta Knight was quieter than normal and never seemed to talk much anymore.
What was going on?
* * * *
In the middle of the night, Tiff was awakened by a terrible scream. She sat bolt upright in bed, her eyes wide. The sound of running footsteps resounded out in the hallway, and she jumped out of bed and threw the door open. Several of the castle’s residents, including her parents, were hurrying past her room.
“Mom! Dad!” Tiff hollered, darting after them. “What’s going on? Who screamed?”
Lady Like skidded to a stop and stared at her daughter. “It sounded like the king, my dear. But we are not certain. We must check on him! Something could have happened!”
“Yeah, maybe he tripped over the toothpaste tube,” joked Tuff.
But Tiff didn’t laugh. She was beginning to feel fearful. She doubted Dedede would have screamed that loudly from so small an accident. . .What if something terrible had occurred?! Stepping up her pace a notch, she ran ahead of her parents and flung open the king’s bedroom door.
He was not there!
“Oh!” Tiff cried out. “He’s gone!”
Lady Like and Sir Ebrum reached her side and gasped upon seeing the room empty. “B-But I heard him!” Lady exclaimed in disbelief. “I know he was in here. . .” Her voice trailed off when she noticed the balcony doors open. “Why are his doors open?”
Tiff began to get a bad feeling—a really bad feeling—as she walked into the room. She stepped onto the balcony and looked around, but there was nothing unusual. Then she looked over the edge of the railing. . .and spotted Dedede lying on the ground below, unconscious.
Tiff screamed at the top of her lungs, terrified at such a dreadful sight. She felt herself collapsing from shock. She felt someone’s hand grab her arm as she went down, and that was the last thing she remembered.
* * * *
When Tiff awoke, she was lying across the foot of Dedede’s bed. She shook her head and sat up, staring at Dedede sleeping peacefully. She could clearly see how swollen his head look and how bruised his hands were. She shivered. Though she had never been very sympathetic toward the king, she couldn’t help but feel sorry for him.
There was a tap on the door.
“Come in,” Tiff called softly so as not to disturb the king.
In entered little Ivene, Starmonia’s sister. Meta Knight and Starmonia were with him.
“Hi, guys,” Ivene whispered.
“Hello, Ivene.” Tiff sat up a little straighter. “What are you all doing?”
“We came to check on the king,” Meta Knight said shortly, as if it were completely obvious. Tiff frowned at his tone. Ivene’s brown eyes narrowed.
Just then, Dedede stirred and opened his eyes. He stared blankly at each of them. “Why are you all in my bedroom?”
Tiff sat down beside him. “We heard you scream last night,” she told him. “And then I found you on the ground. Did you fall off the balcony or did someone push you?” But how can anyone push him, she reasoned, if no one was there?
“Um, I don’t remember,” Dedede mumbled, reaching up to touch his head.
“Do you recall anything from last night?” Starmonia questioned.
Dedede frowned, trying to think. “I know I went to bed and then got up because I heard something on my balcony, but that’s it. I don’t recall anything else.”
Tiff dropped her eyes to the bedcovers, feeling very sorry for her king. As she raised her eyes to his face, she again caught side of his head. She shuddered. It looked awful. “Doesn’t your head hurt?” she inquired. “It’s swollen.”
Dedede shrugged. “I’m used to it,” he said. “After all, that’s not the first time something like this has happened to me.”
“What are you talking about?” asked Tiff in a very quiet tone.
Dedede suddenly seemed very uncomfortable. “I’m not certain you want to know.”
“Tell me anyway,” Tiff replied.
Dedede sighed. “Okay.” He looked up to the ceiling, as if trying to gain his memory. “I was born in this very castle nearly thirty years ago. My parents and my older brother and I were a very happy family for nearly twelve years. . .until my dad began to drink heavily.”
Tiff’s eyes widened.
“From that moment on, we were afraid of him. He was loud and brusque and rough with us. He even threatened to burn my mom in her room when she was asleep. He almost followed through with that plan, but one of the servants stopped him. He was tried a few days later and was executed.”
Tiff placed a comforting hand on Dedede’s.
“My mom was heartbroken over my father’s death. She died one night while in bed. No one knows how she died—whether she poisoned herself or died of a broken heart—but she did die. My brother and I were cared for by the servants.”
“So where does your head injury come in?” Tiff gently asked.
Dedede didn’t look at her when he spoke. “It was a summer evening. My father, as was his usual habit, drank heavily. He came after me when I was up in the turret and accused me of being thoughtless and disobedient to his rules. I didn’t have any idea what he was talking about. I tried to get away from him, but he grabbed me and pushed me out the window of the turret. I hit the water, striking my head on a large rock. . .and then all went black.”
Tiff put her hand over her mouth. “Oh, how awful,” she whispered. “What happened?”
“I woke up. . .” The words came out in a choked whisper. “. . .but I couldn’t see anything.”
“Why not?” Ivene asked.
“I was temporarily blinded by my head striking the rock.” Dedede raised his head, tears streaming down his face, his body trembling. “I never forgave him for that.”
Tiff gasped. She didn’t know what to say. She felt heartbroken for her king. She had never known he had had such a bad life. Maybe that’s why he behaves the way he does, she thought sadly.
“I’m sorry that happened to you,” Tiff said softly, her own eyes filling with tears. “I had no idea.” Impulsively, she wrapped her arms around him and embraced him. He buried his face in her shoulder, sobbing. Ivene let out her breath slowly. Starmonia’s face remained unmoved, but her eyes glimmered with a light of sorrow. Meta Knight kept his head down.
“Why is it so easy for one to hurt you,” Dedede cried, “but it’s harder to forgive the one who’s wronged you?”
Tiff was shocked by his question, and in truth, she had no answer. She had never been able to figure that out herself. “I don’t know,” she replied, “but Dedede. . .” She drew back and looked into his blue eyes. “. . .it’s not about the other person. It’s about how we respond to the ones who have wronged us.”
Dedede looked away from her, fighting to catch his breath.
“Hope still walks with us all, Dedede,” Tiff said, “even when we’re in the darkest of moods. Even when we’re in the most desperate place in our lives. Even when we feel as if we can’t go on, as if we have no purpose.”
Then little Ivene began to sing softly:
“Joy still comes in the morning Hope still walks with the hurting If you’re still alive and breathing Praise the Lord! Don’t stop dancing and dreaming There’s still good news worth repeating So lift your head and keep singing Praise the Lord!”
Tiff turned and stared at the child for a moment. Then a smile lit up her face. “Ivene, you’ve hit on it!” she declared.
“Hit on what?” Ivene asked, confused.
“The perfect song for the occasion!”
“Occasion? What occasion?” Ivene demanded.
“The place where we are right here and now!” Tiff said. “Why don’t you, Starmonia, and I sing it together? We know the words.”
So they all began to sing together, in voices that blended harmoniously:
“What holds your heart? What stirs your soul? What matters come to mind? The cares you keep, The thoughts you think, It’s not all wasted time.
Seek and you will find:
Joy still comes in the morning Hope still walks with the hurting If you’re still alive and breathing Praise the Lord! Don’t stop dancing and dreaming There’s still good news worth repeating So lift your head and keep singing Praise the Lord!”
Dedede listened intently as the girls’ lusty voices sang together.
“The years roll by, We wonder why We lost our way from home. Our Father finds The child inside We left for growing old.
Awake, awake, awake my soul!
Joy still comes in the morning Hope still walks with the hurting If you’re still alive and breathing Praise the Lord! Don’t stop dancing and dreaming There’s still good news worth repeating So lift your head and keep singing Praise the Lord!”
Ivene and Tiff sang the outside lyrics while Starmonia sang the parentheses.
“Let everything, let everything Let everything praise the Lord (Let everything) In the working (Let everything), in the waiting (Let everything praise the Lord) Let it praise the Lord (Let everything) In the blessing (Let everything), in the breaking (Let everything praise the Lord) Come on, praise the Lord (Let everything) In the dying (Let everything), the rising (Let everything praise the Lord) Let it praise the Lord (Let everything, let everything, let everything praise the Lord) Let it praise the Lord (Let everything, let everything, let everything praise the Lord) Praise the Lord!”
Then all three sang the chorus together.
“Joy still comes in the morning, Hope still walks with the hurting, If you’re still alive and breathing, Praise the Lord! Don’t stop dancing and dreaming, (Don’t stop dancing) There’s still good news worth repeating, (Sun is shining) So lift your head and keep singing, (Shining) Praise the Lord! Joy still comes in the morning, (Ohh) Hope still walks with the hurting, If you’re still alive and breathing, (Oh) Praise the Lord! Don’t stop dancing and dreaming, (Don’t stop dancing) There’s still good news worth repeating, (News worth repeating) So lift your head and keep singing, Praise the Lord!”
“Praise the Lord we’re alive!” Ivene declared, then giggled with joy.
_____________________
Note: “Alive and Breathing was written by Matt Maher and Elle Limebear and was released on October 10, 2019. All credit goes to them.
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