Lilia's Best Friend Has Lockjaw

This is an excerpt from the first young adult  novel in "The Faith Fiction Series." The name of the book is Innocence: Simplicity of Spirit.

Francine allowed her twelve-year-old daughter to enter her best friend's sick room by herself. Mele's mom and Lilia's mom hung outside the doorway and listened.

Mele lifted the compress and showed Lilia her thigh. The injury was the result of a fall from Mele's horse onto a rusty barbed wire fence.

Lilia observed the ten-inch diameter wound, and said, "It looks like you've been 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," Mele whispered slowly.

"I know Mele. You know I want you to get better," spoke 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, Lilia's mom had to turn away because Lilia's words touched her so deeply. She would have to remember to tell Jacob, Lilia's dad, about this.

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

"I know Mele. I'll try to be better. I've always loved you so much.," said Lilia sweetly and serenely.

Mele's mom, Ioka, approached the bed, and said, "Mele, let's change the compress and see if you can get some rest." She understood that all their emotions could use some calming.

"Time to go home Lilia," said Francine. Lilia knew she had said everything she had wanted to say, there were no more words. Francine and Lilia gave Mele a little wave, and threw her a kiss before they left to go home.