by D. J. Holmes
***
“Daniel, the flames are close to the bottom of her feet. The pain must be excruciating. What is she waiting for?” Julia asks.
“Running Deer, I am going to make it possible for her to see you. Will you help her?” Daniel asks, already knowing the answer he will get.
“Yes…anything to help, Jehanne.”
Daniel quickly pushes several switches.
“Stand over there, Running Deer,” he says pointing to a specific area. Moving quickly to where he is directed, Running Deer is amazed as her dimension is opened and he feels the intense heat of the fire.
“Start talking, Running Deer,” Daniel directs.
“Jehanne, can you see me?” he asks.
“Pierre?” Jehanne questions as she slowly lifts her head. Catching sight of him just off to her right, despite the heat and smoke, his image is near enough that if she so desired, she could reach out and touch him.
“Pierre,” she sobs, “How did you get here?”
“Daniel has worked a miracle so that I can be with you Jehanne. Why are you staying so long? We are waiting for you. Come. COME NOW!”
“I can’t, Pierre.”
“Why not Jehanne…”
“I told the Lord that I would return to him as pure as when I left him. They took that from me while I was chained to the wall in my cell.”
“Jehanne, it wasn’t you who did this. You were not the one who broke your promise to the Lord. The intent of your heart is still pure, Jehanne. That is the only thing that matters to Jesus, that your heart remains pure; you can’t help what you have no control over.”
The expression on Jehanne’s face, changes. She softens.
“My angels tell me that your words are true, Pierre. I will go with you, but I have something that I need to say to these people, before I go.”