The Answered Prayer

I watch as he cautiously walks through Death’s territoy and I begin to pray.

My eyes are fixed on his every action as I ask God to protect him.

A loud explosion makes my heart sink and he disapears into a cloud of dust.

My hand moves quickly to my door handle and then reluctantly back to the steering wheel.

There is anxious movement all around me, I am silent and still.

My eyes never leave the cloud.

I never stop praying.

Time slows down as my mind speeds up.

I see his wife.  I see his baby girl.  I force myself to put them out of my thoughts.

Eyes are wide, heart is pounding.

The man without fear is scared.

I swallow hard and steady my mind.

The dust slowly settles and I see him walking.

Thank you God.

He walks to my door and climbs up.

I want to laugh and I want to cry, I am silent.

I want to hug him, I want to shake his hand, I am still.

My eyes still haven’t left him, as if they haven’t caught on to the fact that he’s alive.

I look away and look back.

My eyes meet his and words are spoken without a single utterance.

I love you brother.