Faith by Michelle Larks Page B

my sister was blessed today, Lord, by your grace and mercy. And Father, as Monet begins to heal, let her know that she is not alone, that she only has to lean on your everlasting arms.
    â€œLet not hate or revenge fester in Monet and Marcus’s hearts, Father. Give them the wisdom to know that you will fix any ordeal they endure. Maybe not as soon as they would want or like, but let them know that you will fix it, that you will do it in your own time. Lord, I claim these blessings and the victory in your name. Amen.”
    â€œAmen,” everyone echoed.
    Monet stirred, and tried to sit up. She clutched her arm. “Reverend Wilcox, I didn’t know you were here,” she said, pushing back her hair off her brow. “Somebody should have awakened me.” She looked at everyone in the room with swollen, accusing eyes.
    â€œI’m sure they just wanted you to get your rest,” Reverend Wilcox said, putting her Bible back in her bag. She walked over to Monet and talked to her quietly for a few minutes. When she finished, everyone decided to leave so that Monet could rest.
    â€œI’ll be back to see you tomorrow,” Liz said. She rubbed Monet’s arm. Wade did the same.
    Derek and Duane asked Monet if there was anything she needed. She said no. Her brothers hugged her and told her they, too, would see her tomorrow. Everyone departed.
    â€œI’m going to take the chairs back to the nurse’s station,” Marcus told his wife. “I brought some of your nightgowns. Do you want to change into one?”
    â€œNo, I’ll do that tomorrow,” she said. She lay back in the bed.
    Marcus picked up the chairs and left the room. He returned a few minutes later. He sat in a chaise seat where a nurse had thoughtfully put a sheet, pillow, and light blanket for him.
    â€œDid you eat?” Monet asked him as she moved gingerly in the bed.
    â€œNo, I’m not hungry. I’ll get something later,” Marcus answered, as he watched his wife with an eagle eye. “Are you feeling okay? Do you want me to call the nurse?”
    â€œNo, I’m okay. If I go back to sleep, have the nurse bring you a dinner menu; that way, you can dine with me while I have my meal intravenously.”
    â€œI will,” Marcus assured his wife.
    The nurse came into the room and checked Monet’s vital signs. Monet mentioned bringing in a menu for Marcus. The nurse said she’d return with one shortly.
    â€œYou didn’t have to do that,” Marcus said. “I could’ve gotten something to eat from the vending machine. I think the cafeteria is open twenty-four hours.”
    â€œI want you to stay with me.” Monet yawned and flinched because it was painful to open her mouth wide.
    Marcus jumped up from his seat. “Are you sure that you don’t want me to call the nurse? You look like you’re in terrible pain.”
    Monet tried to smile, and that hurt too. “I’ll make it. You know I don’t like to take medicine unnecessarily. If the pain becomes unbearable, I’ll let the nurse know. You can dim the lights over my bed.” She knew that Marcus was feeling helpless, and figured that would give him something to do. “And adjust my bed and fix my pillows.”
    Marcus did as she asked. Then he sat back down and held Monet’s hand in his own. “You know I’m not going to rest until I find out who did this to you, don’t you?” he said, his voice choking up.
    â€œOh, Marcus,” Monet shook her head sadly, “I really wish you would leave it alone. Let Wade and the guys handle the case. I’m going to need you to lean on. I felt better after talking to Liz and Reverend Wilcox. Still, every time I close my eyes the attack happens over and over.” She began sniffling.
    â€œI know, babe, and that’s why I want the guy found immediately,” Marcus growled.
    â€œCan you just let it go for me? I don’t