Dr. Payne didn’t really want to, but she found it necessary to put everyone out of the room while she assessed David’s condition. To describe their exuberance as joyful would be an understatement.
While David’s eyes were still unresponsive, both his hands were moving and he was starting to breathe faster. The signs were all good according to the doctor. While he had been comatose for thirteen hours, she said she was surprised at the body movements and was sure he would gain consciousness at any time.
Stephanie nearly fainted when her father came down the hall with his arm around her mother. She had to sit down because she thought she was dreaming. But she wasn’t. She wanted to cry but she couldn’t. Her emotions had all run away. Inside she was thrilled, but one side of her said it was only a dream. She couldn’t get up from the hall chair. She sat there until they came to her and lifted her into the circle of their world. One big hug. It felt so good. She thought she would melt.
Thirty minutes later, Dr. Payne asked for the immediate family to join her in the room. They walked in and found David was looking up at them. His mother kissed him and his father kissed him too. Afterwards, his parents kissed each other. David looked confused. Then he smiled.
“Mom,” he said.
“David don’t try to say too much, you’ve been through quite an ordeal,” Dr. Payne said.
“But I’ve got to tell you where I’ve been,” he said. “I was in a dark place and I was trying to find my way home. I could hear the demons rejoicing. They thought their plot had worked. Then they got angry because it was falling apart. Can I have some water?” he asked.
His mother quickly poured him some water and helped him sit up to take a few sips.
“The demons started coming after me. The demons kept telling Big D to get me. I found out that was Disease. They wanted to give me a disease. I kept running. Then I heard Aunt Tillie’s voice. She kept saying, ‘prayer warriors are always one step ahead of the devil.’ Whenever it seemed like they were getting close, I would hear her saying, ‘the blood of Jesus covers you David.’ It would give me more confidence to keep going. I just wanted to go home. Then finally I heard Stephanie’s voice. It was so real. She was singing that same song I heard her sing before. Then I understood this time what it meant.
I guess I never told you about her song, the words are “From generation to generation thou hast been our dwelling place.” David paused for a moment because he was out of breath. Then he started talking again. “Will you now restore us with your mercy and your grace. Lord break we now all images that don’t reflect your love. We turn from selfish pleasures and seek thy face above. All of a sudden,” he said, “I woke up.”
“See, King Josiah repented for his people and for the ways of his ancestors that had strayed from God. The books of the law had been lost for so long because little by little the ways of God were forgotten. After King Josiah repented on behalf of everyone, he brought out the books and they listened to the words of the Lord all day long. It was like a beautiful song. And that’s what Stephanie’s song is - we’ve found the words of the Lord again.”
“That’s beautiful son,” Dennis Edwards said. “I want you to know that your mother and I have found the book that was lost in the temple. I decided I don’t want a counterfeit, I want the real thing. Thanks for leading me back to the light,” he said placing a hand on Faye’s shoulder.
“Is Rose here?” David asked.
She’s right outside,” his mother said. “We’ll leave while you talk with her,” she said. One by one they filed out the room and Rose was summoned to come inside.
Rose came into the room and sat at his side. “How are you feeling?” she said feeling awkward but happy. He took her hand and placed it in his.
“Rose, I - I know I hurt you in the past. I’m truly sorry for that. I didn’t know how to handle what I was going through.”
“I wish you would have trusted me,” she said. “I’m sorry you went through so much alone,” she continued.
“Well, I wasn’t totally alone. I had Aunt Tillie. I don’t know what I would have done without her. As soon as the current situations are over, I can resume my life, our life,” he said.
“What situations?” she asked.
“Well there are some people that- wait a minute,” he said. “I can cross one couple off my list.”
“You can cross three couples off your list,” she said. “Keith and Darlene have reconciled and so have your neighbors Michael and Brenda McCain.” she said with pleasure.
“How did you know about them?” he asked.
“They came to visit you and told us how you had helped them.”
“Then who’s the third couple Rose? Are you talking about me and you?” he asked.
“No, I’m talking about your mom and dad. I know you’ve been praying for them too.”
“How did?-” David began.
“I understand a lot more than you give me credit for,” she said. “I went to help my stepmom clean out Aunt Tillie’s apartment. I didn’t tell her but I found a Bible that Aunt Tillie had left for you.” She pulled from her purse a small Bible covered with beautiful black leather that was well worn but in great shape. She pulled open the cover and read an inscription.
“My dearest David, just like your name, you’re a mighty prayer warrior, a natural leader and seeking after the heart of God. May this small gift remind you always to seek the face of God, love his people and never be intimidated by any demon in hell. A prayer warrior is always one step ahead of the devil. Love Always, Aunt Tillie.”
David took the Bible and rubbed his hand gently across the leather. “Rose,” he asked, looking up directly into her face, “Will you marry me?”