Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: Drip (04/25/13)
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TITLE: A Drop of Hope | Previous Challenge Entry
By Vince Martella
05/02/13 -
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In the morning, she searched her computer for a plumber.
‘Got a leak, call on Peak. Peak brothers plumbing. Best rates in town.’
She dialed the number and scheduled Lester Peak for 10:00 am.
………….
“Morning, ma’am,” said an attractive, middle aged man in coveralls. “I’m Lester. We spoke on the phone this morning.
“Yes, thanks for coming. I’m not sure where the drip is,” said Nancy. “All I know is that I’ve been awakened several times this week in the night to the sounds of water leaking.”
“Have you found any water anywhere?” asked Lester.
“No,” replied Nancy.
“Sounds like your toilet, ma’am,” said Lester. Lester dug in his toolbox and pulled out a few packets. “I’ll put this dye in your bowls,” said Lester. “It’ll tell us which tank is causing you problems.” Lester went to work, putting the dye into the back of each of three tanks. “We’ll give it a few minutes; if there is a leak, we’ll see the dye in the bowl.”
“I’m going to make some coffee. Would you like a cup?” Nancy asked.
“Yes, thank you,” Lester said.
“Listen, I’m really sorry about the messy house,” Nancy said. She choked back a tear. “I’ve really been…”
“Not a problem,” Lester said quickly. “I haven’t noticed a thing.” Lester shuffled nervously. “I’m going to check the toilets. The dye should tell us something by now.”
Lester headed toward the bathrooms and Nancy busied herself with the coffee. She chided herself for revealing her emotions in front of a perfect stranger. She sighed deeply as she put out coffee cups, cream and sugar.
Lester returned after a few minutes and entered the kitchen.
“Here you go,” Nancy said, handing Lester a cup of steaming coffee. “Please sit down.” She sat across from him and took a sip of coffee.
“So, what’s the damage?” she asked.
“Good news,” said Lester. ”Here’s the source of your problem.” He held up a two inch, plastic, green toy soldier. “I found this in your hall toilet. The little rifle barrel here was caught under the edge of the flapper; just enough to cause a very slow leak. The drip you heard was the fill tube replacing the water. Problem solved! You’ll have to tell the little guy to keep his toys out of the tank from now on.”
Lester awaited Nancy’s relieved smile, but instead she burst into tears.
After a few moments, she steadied herself and spoke. “I’m sorry,” she said. She reached over and grabbed the soldier. Another small tear dripped from her eye. “Trevor loved to play with his soldiers.” She paused. “He would have been four this summer…” She steadied herself again. “It was an accident, but Jay blamed me. We tried to get past it, but we couldn’t. We ended up getting a divorce.” She hung her head in shame. “I’ve just had a really tough time holding it together.”
Lester cleared his throat. “Ma’am…”
“Nancy, please,” she said.
Lester held her gaze. “Nancy, I can’t say I’ve ever experienced what you’re going through. But I do know this; God loves you dearly and has a good plan for your life. Your son’s death was not His will, but He will help you work through it. And He has made provision for you to see your son again; He gave His own Son for you so that one day you and Trevor could spend eternity together in Heaven.
Tears dripped down Nancy’s face, but there was hope in her eyes as she weighed Lester’s words.
“Nancy, would you like to accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior?” Lester asked.
Nancy nodded silently, and Lester led her in a prayer of salvation. Finishing, he rose, gathered his tools together and headed for the door.
“Wait, what do I owe you?” Nancy asked.
“Nothing,” said Lester. “It’s covered, just like your sin.” He handed her a business card with his church’s information.
She looked it over. “What’s this?” she asked.
“It’s where I attend church,” he said.
She looked at him quizzically.
“Hey, I only cover plumbing,” Lester smiled. “Sometimes your life needs fixing too.”
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turn it around for our good and His glory. Even a toy soldier. Your title fit the plot so, well. "A Drop of Hope" I really enjoyed reading your article. It came to life for me, it was great.
Thank God for Christians like Lester. You created a lot of emotion and crafted a wonderful positive ending.
Well written!