A Young Girl with Lockjaw

This is an excerpt from the book Innocence: Simplicity of Spirit. Mele is twelve years old, and Lilia is eleven years old:

The wound on Mele's upper thigh had grown to about ten inches across with a hole in the center, which oozed pus.

"Mom, am I going to lose my leg?" asked Mele. Ioka, her mom, couldn't look at Mele and answer truthfully. A lump formed in her throat and choked her up.

***

Lilia now knew that Mele might die. The doctor had said that the mortality rate was highest in children who hadn't been vaccinated. That was Mele.

"Pray with me Mom," said Lilia through a shield of tears. The mother and daughter clasped each other's hands while Lilia prayed. "Dear Lord, please help Mele to get better. She's the only friend I have who brings out the best in me. I need her, Lord." Francine, Lilia's mom, started to cry too. Lilia continued, "Please Father, give Mele enough strength to bear this." Francine had told Lilia that the illness often took three to four weeks to subside, and sometimes longer.

***

Ioka and Francine let Lilia go into Mele's room by herself. The two moms hung outside the doorway. Mele lifted the compress and showed Lilia her leg.

Lilia observed it, and said, "It looks like you were shot with a bow and arrow. There's a great big hole in the center."

"I'm very sick Lilia. I don't know if I'm going to get better," whispered Mele slowly.

"I know Mele. You know I want you to get better," said Lilia softly, "but if God wants children to keep him company, then we know that you'll be in the hands of the only One who loves you more than all of us." Francine had to turn away because Lilia's words touched her so deeply. She would have to remember to tell Jacob about this.

"Thank you for being my best friend Lilia. If you and I are still friends in years, I know that you will always be dear to me, even though you can be a snot sometimes," said Mele barely audible.

"I know Mele. I'll try to be better. I've always loved you so much," said Lilia with tears in her eyes.

Ioka approached and said, "Mele, let's change the compress and see if you can get some rest." All their emotions could use some calming.