Just a Little Faith by Amy J. Norris Page B

head no . “I really have to go. But I’ll come back next Thursday. ” She walked back, putting her hand on Seb ’s arm. “ Be sure and thank our special guest Sebastian for coming!”
    In unison, they screamed at the top of their lungs “Thank you Sebastian!” N odd ing, he smiled and waved before leaving the room. After one last glimpse at the children, he clamped his mouth shut. He wouldn’t break down. Not here. Not in front of her.
    O ut in the parking garage , Sebastian found himself staring a t Paxson . She mystified him to no end , and he longed to unravel all her hidden talents, no matter how many weeks it took.
    Pax son reached the passenger side of the car , wait ing while Sebastian started to open the door for her . Suddenly, h e switched gears and took her by the arm turning her toward him.
    â€œThat was beautiful. Thanks so much for sharing it with me.”
    She leaned against the car , her eyes filling with tears. “They are special people aren’t they? The way they find joy in the smallest things. You made a memory for them today, Seb. I promise , the first thing they will show the doctor, nurse or family member who visits will be th e baseball you gave them. Thank you for sharing some time with them today. They won’t soon forget it …and neither will I. ”
    Sebastian wanted to hold her in his arms as she let out the emotions she kept hidden from the children. O verrul ing his initial doubt , he tugged her toward him burying her in his arms . He fe lt the tension in her body release in his embrace.
    â€œYou’ve been hiding things from me….” He whispered in a sing-song voice.
    She pulled back , a puzzled look on her face. “What do you mean by that?”
    â€œI had no idea you were a closet folk singer . ”
    She lowered her head , leaning in his chest while groan ing . “I so hoped they wouldn’t ask me to do that today. I should have known better.”
    â€œWhy? You r voice is beautiful . You should be singing . ”
    She lifted her head , her face blush ing at his praise. “I sing three times a week with my church family. But to sing a solo in public is a whole different matter.”
    He looked down so his face was level with hers . “Isn’t what you just did considered ‘singing in public’?”
    She cocked her head to the side. “Not technically. Those kids are like my family . T hey love me unconditionally. They don’t care what you do as long as you show them kindness and compassion.”
    He pulled he r close again , rest ing his head on top of hers . “You aren’t giving yourself enough credit. I think you are good. Not that I have a trained ear or anything.”
    They remained in that position for a few more seconds before , much to his disappointment , she stepped out of his arms.
    â€œThank you , Seb , for the kind words and the hug. Some days the kids get to me more than others. I don’t know why. But I appreciate it nonetheless.”
    Seb leaned forward , looking in to her eyes. “It’s okay. I was having a hard time myself. My first instinct was to get out of there. These kids had been through so much. So many of them were hooked up to IV poles or other machines with bandages all over their body . B ut just by us visiting them the difficulties of their day were forgotten in a moment. I admit I feel guilty. I didn’t deserve their unmerited attention. What have I ever done in t his life but hit a baseball well? The y are the real heroes . I appreciate your encouragement too .”
    â€œWell, we’re even then.” She l ightly punch ed him in the shoulder.
    Seb reached his hand up to his shoulder acting as if she’d given him a ferocious hit.
    â€œOh! So you’re also a closet boxing champion? What else aren’t you telling me?”
    Pax laughed as she climbed in the passenger seat, the sorrow of the last few moments