Just a Little Faith by Amy J. Norris Page A

surprise. I ’ve asked a special guest to come visit. ” Placing her hands on her hips, she scanned the room. “ Who do you think it could be?”
    Hearing the children s hout various names from Mickey Mouse to the President of the United States , Seb enjoyed their enthusiasm in spite of their current circumstances .
    Holding her hands up , Pax quieted them down. “Let me give you a hint. He lives right here in St. Louis. He likes to run around a baseball field and make crazy catches in the outfield . He hits the ball right out of the park . Who do you think it could be?”
    Seb noticed several of the boys’ eyes widen , their mouths form ing the words “Sebastian Quinn” before their voice s caught up with their thoughts . Then suddenly, a tiny little girl with a Cardinal bandanna covering her bare head asked, “Ms. Pax , did you bring Sebastian Quinn to visit?”
    She turned toward the small waif of the girl dwarfed by her wheelchair. “I don’t know Cassandra… why don’t we see who comes through the door? ” Facing the door, Pax grinned in his direction. “ Oh mystery guest… will you come in now?”
    Sebastian slipped around the door , into the room . Cheers and screams erupt ed . A smile crossed his lips , then sadness touched his heart .
    ****
    An overwhelmed look c a me across Sebastian’s face . Pax reached over and grabbed his hand , hoping to give him a momentary sense of reassurance. He squeeze d in re turn.
    The next few minutes were spent fielding various questions from the kids. Many ask ed standard questions like , “How did you get to play in the big leagues? Or “What kind of car do you drive?” The kids not so familiar with the sport of baseball sat quietly, seem ing to glow in the excitement of someone famous being in the same room with them .
    â€œI think we’ve pummeled poor Seb enough with questions. Why don’t we see what he has in this box he brought? Would you like to see?”
    Cheers followed.
    Pax introduced him to each child , speaking to those in wheelchairs and surrounding beds . She tried to be kind and compassionate so each child felt loved and special . While she spoke, Seb handed them a ball show ing them his autograph while parents snapped photos with their cell phones . Paxson had pondered bringing her camera for publicity photos but now she was glad she hadn’t . This was a moment between these kids and Seb. No one else needed to be a part of it.
    After speaking to each of the children she picked up her things . Sebastian helped her into her coat when little Cassandra’s quiet voice called to her.
    â€œMs. Pax you can’t leave yet! You haven’t sung our favorite song!”
    Paxson froze. Giving her a quizzical look , Seb put a hand on her arm . Warmth filled her cheeks. S wallow ing hard , she turn ed to face Cassandra.
    â€œSurely you don’t want to hear that after all the excitement of the day. We’ll just do it next time.”
    The children voiced their displeasure with loud booing. The sounds of “No… Ms. Pax… please!” carried across the room.
    Sebastian turned to look at Pax . S he sighed , shrugg ing her shoulders.
    â€œOkay. One song… but only because you were so polite when you asked.”
    She walked toward the throng of the children a hesitant smile on her face . Quelling the nerves in her stomach she opened her mouth to sing.

 
    Chapter Eight
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    E yes widen ing, Seb stepped back . The children’s smiles softened as Pax sang of Christopher Robin and Winnie the Pooh in a clear, sweet and melodious voice . Seb wasn’t sure he ’ d heard the song before, but he underst ood wh y the kids wanted her to sing . Her voice enthrall ed him.
    Pax finished the song . The children br oke out into applause yell ing for her to sing it again , and he stopped himself before joining in with their pleadings .
    Pax shook her