Wrapped In Rain

by Charles Martin

We stood in silence, and yet I heard a familiar voice saying, Listen here, child, that’s God’s little girl, baggage and all, so don’t go judging the cover. He doesn’t care what she looks like. He’ll take her and us any way he can get us. Just like the woman at the well. Best you switch lenses and start seeing her that way too.

The entire frame spoke of most everything that was good. Everything a kid should be. I slung the camera back over my shoulder and tugged on the reins again. I took three or four steps and realized that life, and lots of it, was sitting on top of my horse.

I looked at Jase, standing there holding that ball, innocent as a puppy, and I wondered how in the world my dad could pass me by. What was wrong with how I had asked the question? What was any different? What did I do wrong? Why didn’t he answer me?

So many of these lines cut straight to my heart's aches... so raw. So relatable.

“Miss Ella, I don’t know where to start. Everything is upside down and has been for a long time. Sometimes I look at Jase and I hurt because I used to be just like him: so curious, completely trusting, full of wonder, so honest, so transparent, eager to forgive, quick to laugh, and willing to risk his heart on love—even the love of a father.”