A Heart of Faith – Chapter Four
Time. Some think it’s something of which they have lots. But we never can know how much we do have, until it becomes jeopardized. That’s a lesson the Meltsner learnt the hard way, when just that happens to Eugene Meltsner.
All of a sudden, time seems to be slipping away for him, quicker than anyone could have expected. Will the situation be able to be turned around before time is completely gone for good? Only time and faith will reveal what God could possibly have planned for them—of what use the situation could be. And maybe, as the saying goes, “One man’s loss, is another man’s gain.”
Although the events prove to be a fright for the family, and even their close friends, they are all able to find that they can have Hearts of Faith that God will take care of them and their every need.
Closing up the dishwasher, Katrina pressed the button to start the appliance. As she did, she heard the sound of Sparky’s nails tapping on the linoleum floor along with someone else walking into the room. “I will be departing for Whit’s End shortly.” Eugene announced. “Okay.” Katrina was then asked, “When is it you will be leaving?”
“A little later than usual,” The blonde began, turning around and leaning against the counter—giving her husband her attention. “It’s an in-service day for the elementary and middle school kids.” She explained. Eugene hummed. “Then I predict that there will be an influx of customers, in that case.” Katrina continued. “There’s going to be a teachers conference held at the school, so I’ll be home early this afternoon.”
“I see. Then, I shall see you then—if not later.” Eugene told her. His wife smiled and nodded. “Maybe we’ll have time for a walk later? Just the two of us.” Nodding, Eugene returned the smile. “That sounds ideal.” He answered. “It’s a date, then.” That elicited a small chuckle from Eugene. “Indeed.” Katrina went up and gave her husband a small kiss. “Until this afternoon, my love.”
“Until then, dear.” With that, Eugene took his leave so as to not be late for his shift at Whit’s End.
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It was nearing noon, and so far, Eugene hadn’t experienced one of those dizzy spells. He’d almost all-but-forgotten about the whole thing, really. His guess of it being a result of fatigue seemed to have been right, and considering the amount of sleep he’d been able to get the previous night, there was little chance of it happening again—as he was feeling rested and rejuvenated.
For a Friday morning, Whit’s End was a buzz of activity. Customers coming to and from the two floors of the building—every attraction likely in use. Though, this was easily accredited to there being no school for the kids that day. Eugene had gladly offered to help with things in the Ice Cream Parlor, seeing as Connie Kendall had arrived fashionably late—as usual. (According to her, the hot water stopped mid-shower).
While the kids were sitting in various spots of the Ice Cream Parlor enjoying either a delicious refreshment or ice cream, others were lined up at the counter waiting their turn to tell their orders to Eugene. Connie was also behind the counter filling out the orders as they came, and Mr. Whittaker was in the kitchen cleaning things up a bit, and checking inventory.
Camilla Parker approached the counter as the kid in front of her went to sit on one of the barstools to await his milkshake. “Good Morning, Miss Parker.” Eugene greeted, flipping the page of the small notebook he was using to jot down orders. “What may we get you?” Camilla hummed, looking up to the order board to see what she could get with the money she’d brought.
“Hmm… Oh, could I get a tall chocolate fudge sundae, please?” Camilla requested, smiling happily to herself over her choice. Eugene jotted down the order. “Tall… Chocolate fudge…” He mumbled aloud as he wrote it down. He then looked back at Camilla. “Will that be all?” He asked. Camilla gave a small shake of her head ‘no’.
“Can it have…” As the girl continued, an eerily familiar sensation suddenly came over Eugene. Again. He blinked several times, trying his hardest to focus on Camilla’s words and to stay composed. “Extra… with nuts…?” Said words sounded to Eugene as though he were hearing them from across the room. Taking a breath, he tried to continue writing down Camilla’s order. “Extra nuts…” His hand was shaky as he tried writing it down.
Over at the milkshake machine, Connie was finishing up with another vanilla milkshake. Setting the tall glass aside, she went to grab a red and white striped straw when she overhead Camilla. “Eugene?” She looked over her shoulder, and noticed the confused look on the youngest Parker girl’s face.
“… Eugene?” He was still trying to fight the dizziness and light-headedness when Connie walked up to him. She said something to him, though it didn’t sound clear to him. “… What’s gotten… you?” Turning to Connie, Eugene swayed somewhat—finding balance to become more difficult. He had one hand gripping the edge of the counter to remain steady, his knuckles turning white due to how tight he was gripping.
“I-I… th-think I… need t-to…” Then suddenly, behind the counter of the Ice Cream Parlor, Eugene collapsed onto the floor. Connie took a quick step back, eyes widening as she gasped in shock. “Eugene!” Camilla too looked over the counter,sharing Connie’s shocked expression.
Dropping to the floor next to him, Connie began shaking Eugene’s shoulder. “Eugene?” She called, trying to elicit a response. “Hey! Wake up! Please, Eugene!” But to no avail. Beginning to panic, Connie raised her voice and cried out. “Whit! Come quick!”
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