Puzzle House

by Duncan, Lillian;

  “Oh, that makes sense.”

  The afternoon and evening passed in a noisy blur.

  Cooper sat holding her hand as he watched TV.

  Every now and then she opened her eyes, but the noises in her head were so loud she couldn’t hear the TV anyway. The spinning continued. Finally, she sat up. “Go to bed, Cooper. I’ll be fine out here.”

  He looked doubtful. “I’m—”

  “Please. I feel bad enough. Don’t make me feel guilty by trying to stay up with me all night. Go to bed. At least one of us can get some rest.”

  He leaned down and kissed her. “You yell if you need me.”

  “I will, I promise.”

  When she was finally alone, the tears came. She’d chosen to be a healer rather than to be healed. But she hadn’t understood what that meant at the time. And she wasn’t a healer, either. All three of those people had died. The TV fiasco had not only humiliated her, but brought no glory to God. He must be so mad at her. Here she’d been given an awesome experience and a wonderful gift and she’d messed the whole thing up.

  All her life, she’d been successful. Not that it had been easy, but she didn’t mind hard work. And now the most important task in her life, and she’d failed.

  Jesus had told her that it wouldn’t be an easy journey, but he’d also told her that she had everything she needed. But she didn’t have everything she needed. She didn’t have anything. And she wasn’t even on a journey any longer. She had no idea how to start again. And even if she did, no one would ever believe in her gift again.

  The night dragged on, filled with self-pity and recriminations.

  Finally, she dozed.

  When she woke up, she held a Bible in her hand. Funny, she didn’t remember getting it. She stared down at the Good Book.

  Cooper walked in the room. “Hey, hon. How’re you feeling?”

  “Better, I think. The noise is still there but it’s bearable now. And I can hear you a little better. The room’s not spinning quite as much either. Guess the steroids are working. Of course, I haven’t actually stood up yet.”

  Cooper looked at the Bible in her hand and smiled. “Decided to do a little reading, huh?”

  He was much more the Bible student than she was. Early in their marriage, he’d try to get her in the habit of daily Bible reading, but she just didn’t have the time. “Not really. I don’t even remember getting it.”

  “Mmm. That’s interesting.”

  She set the Bible down. “OK, here goes nothing.” She stood up but toppled back onto the sofa. “Well, that didn’t work well.” She held out a hand.

  Cooper helped her up.

  She weaved her way up the steps, holding onto the banister. When she was on her way back down, Cooper stood at the bottom of the steps. She smiled at him. “Waiting to see if you need to catch me?”

  “Sort of.”

  “Well, I don’t know about you, but I find the timing of all this a little too interesting.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “I didn’t want to have to face everyone at work after that show, and now I can’t go to work even if I wanted to. I wonder if I made myself sick.”

  “But you did go in and you did face them. Yesterday.”

  “True. I did. I smiled and said hello to every person I saw. And you know what?”

  “What?”

  “Not one of them had the nerve to mention the TV show. Except Dan, of course. Even though I’m sure they all saw it.” She grabbed on to his arm. “What do you think that means?”

  “I’m not sure what you’re getting at.”

  “I’m not sure either. All this happened after the TV show aired.”

  “The stress might have brought it on. Not that it wouldn’t have happened sooner or later. But you know what the doctors say about stress.”

  “I guess.”

  “Are you hungry?”

  “I’m so famished. I need food and right now.”

  “That’s the steroids.”

  “Maybe so, but it doesn’t make me any less hungry.”

  He laughed as he helped her into a seat at the kitchen island. A moment later, he handed her a strawberry-banana yogurt. “Start with this while I cook you an omelet.”

  “Sounds like a plan.”

  “So what did Dan say about the TV show?”

  “Typical Dan.”

  After eating, she wandered back to the sofa for a nap. She picked the Bible up as she settled in. As her fingers traced the letters, she felt a sudden urge to read it. Opening it up, she browsed through the pages. If something caught her eye.

  Hosea. She’d never even heard of that book. She looked down at the words. Your fruitfulness comes from me. As if God had put those words there just for her.

  Finally she moved on. 2 Timothy 3:16. Every Holy Writing which comes from God is of profit for teaching, for training, for guiding, for education in righteousness. Rachel stared at the words. For teaching. For training. For guiding.

  Those were the things a person needed to become a doctor. And those were exactly what she needed to become a healer. What she’d needed, she’d had all along. Jesus had told her that. He’d said she had everything she needed for the journey, but she hadn’t known what he meant. Now she did. The Word of God. It was all there to teach her, to train her, to guide her. A spark of hope ignited. The journey with Jesus wasn’t over. Rachel touched her Bible. In fact, it was just beginning.

  She shuffled through the pages. Her pulse spiked as she read 2 Peter 1: 3. His power gives us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.

  No wonder she’d failed. She hadn’t taken the time to train. Or to gain knowledge of God. “Cooper. Cooper.”

  He came running down the stairs. “What’s wrong? Are you OK?”

  She wiped away happy tears. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

  Concern was replaced with confusion. “Tell you what?”

  She held up the Bible. “About this. It’s amazing. It’s…It’s just what I need.”

  He grinned. “It’s what everyone needs. It just takes some people a little more time than others to realize it.”

  “Can you get me some index cards?”

  *

  Nia looked up from her puzzle. She had a good portion of the outside done.

  Rachel smiled and touched the puzzle. “So you found your frame, huh?”

  “Lot easier this way.”

  “The Bible became the foundation for my life. I had so much to learn and didn’t even know it. I couldn’t do anything without God. But with God, all things are possible.”

  “Is that why I’m really here? My auntie knows I’m mad at God. It really upsets her when I tell her that. So she brought me to…” Her hand flung around the room. “To this place. So you could try to make me not be so mad at God.”

  “I’m just here to help you with your puzzle. That’s all. What your puzzle becomes is up to you.”

  “So, like what? If I don’t love God you don’t want to cure me. Is that the deal?”

  Rachel smiled. “That’s not the deal at all. There’s a verse in the Bible that talks about rain falling on the just and the unjust. The rain is God’s blessing. He gives them to everyone, not just those who believe in him.”

  Nia stared for a moment, and then tapped her puzzle. The border was almost complete. “You’re right. It’s a lot easier by building a frame around it. But it’s still hard.”

  “Life is hard.”

  “But it shouldn’t be that way. God shouldn’t make it so hard.”

  “I agree with you. It would be really nice if life could work that way.” Rachel picked up a piece of puzzle and rolled it in her hand. “But it isn’t like that. So God’s job is to prepare us for our battles. If we get our own way over and over, we won’t really be ready for the big battles.”

  “Well, the big battles shouldn’t come.”

  “But they do. That’s the way life is.
Remember what I told you about Mary and Joseph? This world isn’t a perfect place, Nia. And until we get to heaven, we all have battles. Little ones, big ones, and everything in between.”

  “So, what? After you started reading the Bible, everything fell into place? Then you could heal people.”

  “I don’t heal people. God does.” She pointed at the light. “Remember, I’m just the cord. God is the Power, the Light.”

  “OK, so then God started using you to heal people.” She grinned. “Is that a better way to say it?”

  “Much better, but that’s not exactly what happened.”

  “Well, what did happen?”

  Rachel smiled as she shook her head. “Sorry. That’s it for now. I’ll tell you more later.”

  “You can’t just leave me hanging like that.”

  “Sorry.”

  Brandon walked in with a huge smile. “Hey, did y’all miss me?”

  “Not at all, country boy. I didn’t even realize you were gone.”

  “So the city girl says. I got a surprise for you.”

  “Well, I hope it doesn’t have anything to do with fish. Because I saw you out by the pond a while ago fishing. I ain’t cooking up no fish for you.”

  “I knew you missed me.” Brandon winked. “You should have come out. I could have taught you how to do it. You’d have loved it.”

  “I don’t think so. That’s the last thing I’d want to do. Even if I could get to the pond.”

  “No pity parties allowed.”

  “Whatevs.”

  “Anyway….” He picked something up from the hall. When he turned back he was holding a guitar. “Look what I found! Now you can play me a song.”

  She wagged her finger at him. “No way, country boy. I told you I don’t play anymore.”

  “But you don’t play any less, right?” He gave her a look “Or are you still having a pity party?”

  “I am not, but…”

  “Come on, play a little something for me. Go ahead.”

  “Don’t call me a goat head.”

  He doubled over in laughter.

  They were good for each other. It was nice to see both of them smiling. Rachel struggled to her feet. “I’ll let you two work this out.”

  *

  Nia strummed the guitar and began to tune it. “Where’d you get this thing?”

  “Found it at the thrift store. I didn’t know if it was any good. But you seem to be making pretty music with it.”

  “Hardly.” She strummed a few notes. “But the sound ain’t too bad.”

  “Come on. Let’s see what you got.”

  She started playing a song. “If I have to play then you have to sing with me.”

  “That’s a deal I can live with.” He joined in with the chorus of ‘Jesus Loves Me’. When they were finished, he smiled. “More please.”

  “Bet you can’t guess this one.” Her fingers strummed out a familiar tune.

  “Easy peasy, city girl. ‘Smoke on the Water’. Every guitar player knows that one.”

  “So you play too?”

  “Not really.”

  “Not really means yes.” She stopped playing and handed him the guitar.

  He played a few notes and then sang. “Amazing Grace. How sweet the sound.”

  She wiped away tears. “That was beautiful, country boy. I think you bought that guitar for you. Not for me.”

  He handed it back. “Wrong. This is my gift to you. Like Rachel says, when God gives you a gift you should use it. Music is your gift. So use it.”

  “What’s the point? I ain’t gonna live long enough to…to do anything with it. And it sure won’t make me better.”

  “Maybe not, but it will make you feel better. I know it makes me feel better. Music lifts our soul to God.” He grinned. “And there ain’t nothing better than that, city girl.”

  “Then you play something. I’m tired and I’m going to rest while you sing to me.” She lay on the sofa, her feet touching him.

  “Well, OK. Your wish is my command. Here’s a song I wrote. Want to hear it?”

  “Absolutely.”

  Darkness and trouble

  No joy

  No peace to be found.

  Only sickness and sorrow abound.

  No one around but…

  The God of Creation never forsakes.

  He is the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

  He is my God

  And He is so good.

  His love endures forever and a day.

  He is… Jehova Rapha

  The Lord who heals.

  The Lord who heals.

  And nothing is impossible.

  No nothing is impossible for my God.

  His love endures forever and a day.

  He is… Jehova Rapha

  The Lord who heals.

  The Lord who heals.

  He changes the darkness to light.

  His peace brings joy and delight.

  He is with us day and night.

  His love endures forever and a day.

  His promises are real.

  His promises are true.

  And He will never leave.

  His love endures forever and a day.

  My God is…Jehova Rapha

  The Lord who heals.

  The Lord who heals.

  His love endures forever and a day.

  He is…Jehova Rapha

  The Lord who heals.

  The Lord who heals.

  His love endures forever and a day.

  She clapped. “That’s wonderful, Brandon. Sing it again.”

  “You’re just saying that to be nice.”

  She propped up on her elbows. “Country boy, I think you know me better than that. I am not nice. So…sing it again. Please.”

  9

  When Nia opened her eyes from her nap, she was alone. The guitar sat on the coffee table. Sitting up she ran her fingers on the smooth wood. Brandon was so nice to have bought it for her. He didn’t seem sick—had to be family issues.

  Maybe he was only trying to make her feel better, but she had to admit he was cute. She stared at the pond through the windows. She really was a city girl, but it was pretty here at Puzzle House. Even if it was in the middle of nowhere.

  She wouldn’t admit it to Auntie but it wasn’t all that bad being here, either. Maybe she could learn a few things from Rachel. And Brandon was fun.

  “Did you have a nice nap?” Rachel asked as she came into the room.

  “Sorry.”

  “For what?”

  “I probably should have gone upstairs.”

  “No way. I loved hearing the two of you making such beautiful music. In fact, it got me to thinking. And I sure don’t know why I didn’t think of it before. We need more music around this place.” She handed Nia a glass of juice.

  “Brandon says music lifts our spirit to God.”

  “And I agree. I’ll get some instruments. Maybe the Meeting Room will become the Music Room. What do you think?”

  “Might be a good idea.”

  “After all, music does lift our souls to God. So are you ready to hear a little more of my story?”

  *

  It had been the worst four months of Rachel’s life—and the best. Four months of being tired, but not being able to sleep for more than a few hours at a time. Four months of not being able to focus. Four months of constant sound, though the tinnitus had improved. The doctors wanted her to go in for a hearing test, but she didn’t feel well enough. Her mind never stopped, thoughts spinning day and night.

  She was also eating everything in sight and looking for more. The last time she’d stepped on the scales, she’d gained twenty pounds. Most of her power suits wouldn’t fit her any more, but she couldn’t go to work anyway.

  Or anywhere else.

  Rachel wasn’t sure if her balance had improved or she’d just gotten used to it and made the necessary adjustments. What she couldn’t get used to was the way her head felt when she stood up or
walked or moved. It was as if she could feel her brain moving inside her head, a very odd sensation. Physically she was a mess.

  But it had also been the best four months of her life. There was no worry about the future or what would happen to her. Joy filled her days at all that she was learning as she studied the Bible. Each time she picked up the precious book, her brain fog lifted. Her stack of index cards grew as she read and experienced God’s presence. His peace. His joy. His love.

  Cooper walked down the steps with suitcase in hand. “I really don’t think I should go. I don’t like leaving you alone like this.”

  “I’ll be fine. You cooked me up that batch of vegetable soup and lasagna so I won’t starve. And some cookies. I’ll be sitting here doing what I do every day. Eating and sitting.”

  “But what if…”

  “No what ifs. I’m fine, Cooper. Really. I promise I’ll keep the phone near me at all times, but I can’t imagine why I’d need to call anyone. There’s nothing for you to worry about. I’ll spend most of my time studying the Bible and eating.”

  “How’s that going? About ready to step out of the boat again?”

  “I feel as if I could study for the next twenty years and still not be ready.”

  “That might be how you feel, but I’m not sure if that’s God’s plan. I have a feeling He has other ideas.” He paced around the room then turned back to her. “I’ll tell them I won’t be attending next—”

  “You’ll tell them no such thing. I mean it, Cooper. I won’t have you giving up your life because of my health.”

  “Well, we’ll see about that.”

  He bent down to her.

  Her arms went around him. She hugged him tight.

  A small gasp came from Cooper.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “Nothing.” He took a step away.

  “That didn’t sound like nothing. Did you hurt yourself?”

  “I cut myself out in my workshop the other day. A very small cut. Nothing for you to worry about.”

  “I’ll be the judge. Let me see it.”

  He kissed her forehead. “Sorry. I wish I could, but no time. Airplanes wait for no man.”

  “Cooper.”

  “Later, my love.”