“Hey,” Shane said absentmindedly. He wasn’t paying attention to his wife Mara as she shuffled into their apartment. She saw her husband on the couch watching the television in the dark. She noticed Shane didn’t even bother to turn around to see her. She carelessly waved her hand in the direction where he sat. She was certain he had a long day and whatever he was watching on television must have been more important than she was.
She threw her bag on the floor and sat alone in the dark kitchen. Her conscious had been weighing on her for the last several months. Her husband knew she needed to work overtime to support her parents’ ailing health. She didn’t even want to think of the last doctor’s appointment and his realistic prognosis.
Certainly, Shane was present for her when she needed it, but the crushing financial need she desired versus her parents’ health were two giants she was tired of facing. Her salary couldn’t come close to help them the way she needed it to. Maybe if she just woke up one morning and disappeared… maybe she would feel better.
“Good evening,” Shane said with a smile, flicking the harsh halogen light of the kitchen on.
“Shane,” Mara yelled. “Turn it off she yelled, squinting and covering her head. Shane obliged and turned the lights off. His wife continued covering her eyes in the dark.
“You alright,” Shane asked. She nodded. “Long day?”
“I just want to sit in the dark,” Mara responded quietly, sadly.
“Bedroom’s that way,” Shane pointed down the hallway with his thumb over his shoulder.
“Alone.” Shane nodded quietly. “I didn’t mean to interrupt whatever you were watching.”
“Wasn’t watching anything. Was taking a break after making dinner.”
Mara turned up to see him. “You made dinner?” She was legitimately surprised.
“Yeah. I knew you were working late,” Shane said, reaching into the fridge. “So, I made you this.” He showed her the plate which had her favorite; mac and cheese, green peas and breaded chicken. Her smile faded and became washed in tears. Shane looked down at the plate. Had he missed something? “It’s bad, isn’t it?”
“That’s really sweet of you. I truly appreciate it.”
“But…”
“I just don’t have an appetite right now.”
“Your parents,” Shane said. Mara nodded. “I understand.”
“I just want to sit here alone.”
“I’ll be in the room,” he said, putting the plate back in the fridge. “Oh by the way, you have mail.”
“Tax collector?”
“Dunno. Just has your name on it. Here.”
Mara squinted and opened the beige envelope. Shane left and began preparing for bed when she heard his wife shriek.
He bolted back into the kitchen “Honey? What is it? Did they die?”
Mara handed him the letter to which he read aloud. “Dear Mrs. Mara Jackson, I know you are a good person and I have observed this from afar. I know your prayers concerning your parents are real and they have no time, but to receive the treatment they need now. I have heard your call and request and I am responding to you. Please accept this check in the amount of $20,000. I pray that it is used for you and yours regarding this trying time. Sincerely, The Benefactor.
“Is that real,” she asked Shane, in tears, shaking her hands nervously.
Shane looked at the check in the light and saw the watermarks indicating the check was real.
“It’s real,” he said.
She screamed at the top of her lungs. The dogs next door and some upstairs and began barking and howling. She tackled him to the ground in enveloped in joy.
“I can’t believe it. This is the miracle I prayed for!” Shane while excited was very confused. Where did the check come from? Shane looked at the envelope. No return address. Just her name, Mara, on the envelope.
“Who sent it,” Mara shrieked again.
It doesn’t say,” Shane said, shaking his head.
“Who signed it?”
“Illegible.”
“This is a miracle. This feels like a miracle,” Mara said, swaying in her husband’s arm in embrace. This is the work of angels!”
Shane stopped and frowned. “Angels.” He knew an Angel.
To be Continued in Part 2
Jace Rockland 