Chapter 23 - Page 336 - Field Of Flowers

   The congregation was now gathered around the altar. Reverend Morris prayed with the new Christians. When he finished, he passed out literature and asked everyone to meet at the river for baptismal services instead of the church the following Sunday. The congregation began to disperse. Within minutes, the small church was vacant.

   Knowing Francis and Shanha would soon be leaving, Angel Town residents gathered at Jim and Rhasha's house, waiting outside until Francis and Shanha finished packing. Jim and Rhasha helped Francis load her belongings into the car, and Jim gave Francis some food to take on the trip. Shanha placed Honeycup in the back seat and fastened the seat belt over the teddy bear.

   All their friends gathered around Francis and Shanha. Everyone kissed Shanha and told her that they loved her. The mood was cheerful, until Rhasha burst into tears. She knelt on the ground and put her arms around Shanha and held her tight for several minutes.

   Jim felt sad too. He knelt down and kissed Shanha on the forehead. He took her right hand and placed it between both of his. "Sweetheart," he said, "have I ever told you that you have pretty eyes?"

   Shanha pulled away from Rhasha and threw her arms around Jim's neck. As he put his arms around her waist, she said, "Oh Papa, I love you so much."

   A tear ran down Jim's cheek. "I love you too, angel."

   Shanha hugged Rhasha. "I love you too, Mama."

   Rhasha hugged her tight. She cried openly. "I love you too." She didn't want to let go of Shanha, but she knew she must. She stood and opened the passenger door, then picked Shanha up in her arms. As Francis slid in behind the steering wheel and started the motor, Rhasha set Shanha down on the seat and fastened her seat belt, then bent over and kissed her one last time.

   The car pulled away from the crowd. Several people ran behind the car, calling farewells until the car was out of sight. The crowd began to disperse. Jim placed his arms around Rhasha and held her as she sobbed. They stood together in the middle of the road.

End of chapter twenty-three