The Life I Left Behind

by LThornhill Crane

  Part of me wants to do just that. The part of me that’s been shouting that I’m not married, my house is haunted, my dog is possessed, my husband is a vampire… that part of me is ready to pack my bags and leave. Maybe not even stop for bags. Just run. Just run to him Andrea! That part of me urges.

  But I’m afraid that part of me might need some Xanax and it is overruled by the other part. That part of me stands stubbornly rooted in my disbelief.

  Just run? Just like that? Leave everything: my husband, my house, what little of my life that wasn’t taken away by that drunk driver? Leave the only person I know and follow this… stranger from a coffee shop?

  “I can see you need a little convincing.” He says softly. “If you confront him he will only tell you his version of the truth. He’s a born liar. He’s very good at turning things around. Don’t be afraid of him; he can’t hurt you until he gets what he wants. ”

  I nod and reach into my purse.

  “No. It’s on me.” He says with a wave of his hand. “Your prescription is probably ready by now.”

  How did he know about my prescription? Had I mentioned it earlier?

  I don’t want to leave! I find I never want to leave. But I know I can’t hang out at a coffee shop all day. Eventually I have to get back to… earlier I would have said “My husband” but now I’m not so sure.

  “I don’t want to leave. Its- nice here.” I confess.

  He looks at me. The sadness in those clear blue eyes threatens to tear my heart out. “You feel God here. That’s why the Church opened it.” He points across the parking lot. “Not for coffee. For people who would never set foot inside that building over there. For people like you. You can come here. You can stay as long as you want and you are welcome anytime. But God can go with you. He’s not trapped in a building. He wants to take up residence in your heart, Andrea. He loves you more than you could ever imagine but He won’t force you to accept Him or His love. He gave his children free will. You each have a choice.”

  I nod and wipe my eyes as Josue stands. To my surprise he touches my cheek lovingly. “Don’t wait too long Andrea. You know where to find me.”