Phoenix Maplewood the healing of nations

Seemingly out of nowhere, the cracked dam that kept Reek's sorrow at bay gave way. He felt the hot prickling of tears beginning to form in his eyes. She moved closer, offering just enough space for Reek to reach out and touch her willowy body -- and reach out he did. A brief moment passed before Reek close the space between them and his approach was wary and slow, but his face soon found itself buried in the warm scruff of the stranger's neck as he began to emotionally unfurl like a wilting lotus flower. Thought contact, he was grounded. He breathed in deep as he listened to the smoothness of the stranger's voice.

She spoke of some higher power -- a divine test -- and in a way it somewhat confirmed Reek's suspicions. However, if he was being tested, Reek thought he was failing. Flailing. Drowning in an angry sea brought forth by a displeased God. He wanted nothing more than the saved— offered some sort of life raft, but he did not know if he was worthy. Eventually, Reek found his voice.

"I want to be saved," he answered, voice cracking with emotional strain. "I just don't know how."