Part 19 (1/2)
”They gave their lives for a good idea. Now I use my life to tell other people the good idea.”
”What's the good idea?”
”That no matter how much evidence we have to prove that life is meaningless, we should believe that life makes some sort of sense-and that the story of Jesus is a good story, simply because it teaches us that we should be kind to others. That we should do whatever it takes, that we should sing soul music if it makes the lives of others better. That we should try to be good people, and love everyone.”
”Do you love the people who killed your parents?”
”I pray for them, and all like them.”
”But do you love them?”
”I don't know.”
”You think that I'm going to be like you, don't you? That's why you come here every day?”
”I think you are going to be much better than me.”
”Why?”
”Father Chee cannot do the soul clap so well.”
For the first time in many weeks, I smile-and Father Chee laughs out a single note-ha!
”I'm sorry your parents were killed for believing in JC,” I say.
”I am sorry your mother was taken from you for no good reason at all, Amber. I am truly sorry for your loss.”
”But there is nothing either of us can do to bring our parents back, right?”
”There is nothing we can do to bring them back, but we can honor their memory by moving forward.”
”Why should we do that?”
”Maybe it is better than sitting in a room forever?”
”Why?”
”You know why,” FC says.
”It's not fair.”
”Life is not fair. You are correct.”
”Then why should we be fair?”
”Because we can.”
”I don't know, FC. I mean I totally dig your coming here every day. I do. True. But I don't think I can go back to being who I used to be.”
”Who were you?”
”Amber Appleton. Aka the Princess of Hope.”
”You were, are, and will always be a hopeful person, until you die.”
”Why do you say that to me? Even now, when you know I've got nothing left. Why do you put that on me?”
”Because I have faith, and it is riding on the Princess of Hope. I believe in you, Amber Appleton. I've seen your powers.”
”Don't do that to me.”
”What?”
”Put your faith on me. I can't take that kind of pressure right now, okay? I just can't take it!”
”I did not mean-”
”Just don't,” I say, and then go to the bathroom.
I stay in the bathroom for a long time-until I hear FC walk down the steps and leave Donna's house.
CHAPTER 42.
THE FLY THAT DIED BY.
SMAs.h.i.+NG INTO MY WINDOW.
PANE, I DISPOSE OF.
CHAPTER 43.
Ty visits my bedroom solo and says, ”I brought you this.” He places a clear vase with a single rose and some baby's breath on my dresser, and then adds, ”How you feeling?”