A Heart of Faith – Chapter Two
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.
Buck and Katrina didn’t have long to wait before the man of the hour finally arrived for breakfast. Eugene gave the two of them a smile as he sat down at the table. “Apologies for the delay.” Katrina lightly waved the apology off. “It’s alright. We’ve only just sat down.” She told him. After a prayer over the food, the three began eating.
“So, I’m going to be giving a test to my class today.” Katrina began, pausing to take a bite of her breakfast. “Which means I’ll be late tonight, as I want to grade the papers before leaving the school.” She continued. “If you and Buck arrive home before me, there’s a premade casserole in the fridge that just needs to be baked.” Buck glanced up to Katrina. “I remember.”
The blonde gave her son an acknowledging smile. “Sounds good, then?” No answer. Katrina looked over to Eugene, who looked as though he were a million miles away from the conversation. “Eugene?” No reply, as he slowly took a bite of his breakfast. Setting her fork down, Katrina put her hand on her husband’s wrist to get his attention. Eugene blinked, looking to her. “Yes?”
“Did you hear me?” His gaze shifted a little, as a small embarrassed look grew on his face. “No, I apologize. I wasn’t being attentive.” He confessed. Katrina showed a small expression of concern for a moment, as she then asked, “Are you alright?”
“Quite so, yes.” Eugene assured her. “You have my attention now, however.” Katrina shook her head a little. “Okay… I just said there’s a casserole in the fridge you can put in the oven if you and Buck arrive home before me.” She explained a second time, being more brief than the first. “That way, when I do get home, we can all eat.”
“That sounds conducive.” Eugene noted with a hum.
Both he and Katrina took another bite of food, their plates beginning to look bare. Buck was the first to finish eating. The teen gathered up his plate and utensils, before getting up to put them in the dishwasher. “I’d better be headin’ out, or I’ll miss the bus.” He said, heading back to his chair for his backpack. Sparky followed him around, wagging his tail in a small, excited way.
“Did you complete all of your assigned homework, Buck?” Eugene inquired. “Yessir, dad.” Buck answered with a nod, while simultaneously doing another check of his backpack’s contents. Swallowing the food in her mouth, Katrina hastily spoke up. “Don’t forget your-”
“Science book,” Buck held up the textbook in question for her to see. “I’ve got it.” Katrina smirked. “Have a good day, Buck.” She wished. With his backpack now slung over his right shoulder, Buck made his way to the front door. “Bye!” He called, opening the door and leaving the home—leaving his parents alone with a momentary silence.
“Well, then,” Eugene began gathering up his own plate and utensils. “I believe we too should be departing.” Sliding his chair back a bit, he picked up his dishes and stood up to leave the table. Katrina stopped him, placing a hand on his wrist again. “Eugene, are you sure you’re okay?”
“Yes, I’m perfectly well, Katrina.” Eugene assured her once more.
Noticing how Katrina’s breakfast plate was empty, Eugene took it for her. “Allow me.” He told, leaving the table to put all the dishes in the dishwasher. Sparky sat nearby as he did so, hoping to be able to lick the plates off. “Thank you.” His wife thanked, as she took the syrup and butter off the table.
Once breakfast was cleared, Eugene took a glance at his watch. “I’d better be going, then.” Katrina said, peeking into the foyer to see her bag where she’d left it. “As should I.” Eugene answered, looking up from his watch. Katrina then went over to him, giving him a brief, yet loving kiss. “Have a good day.”
“You as well, Katrina.” Eugene wished in return. With that, the blonde made her way to the door. She had to quietly shoo Sparky off as she grabbed her bag, and opened the door. Eugene spotted the Cocker Spaniel trotting into the kitchen once more at a hobbling pace—thanks to his missing leg—while he heard Katrina call out with, “Have a good day, Eugene! Love you!”
“I love you too!” The door closed, leaving the house with silence once again. As Sparky made his way over to his food and water bowls, Eugene simply stood in the middle of the kitchen. In his mind, he was replaying that odd sensation he’d experienced earlier. He still couldn’t think of an explanation for it.
Then, it hit him. Fatigue! Him and Katrina had made it to bed later than 10:05 the night before, (the couple usually going to sleep at that time). It was no wonder that’d happened, he was simply tired. With a satisfied hum to himself at having solved the issue, Eugene went to retrieve his briefcase before leaving for the college.
Note: This story is completed, but it may take a little bit for me to finish posting each chapter here. So, stay tuned!
Leave a Reply