Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: ANGELS WATCHING OVER ME (don’t write about the song) (06/04/15)
-
TITLE: My Imaginary Friends | Previous Challenge Entry
By Brenda Rice
06/11/15 -
LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE
SEND A PRIVATE COMMENT
ADD TO MY FAVORITES
Since I’ve grown up I’ve realized how powerless I felt during those lonely years. Why I didn’t imagine myself with super powers, I don’t know. Maybe knowing how weak and defenseless I felt made it impossible to see myself as a super hero. I always needed someone powerful to take care of me.
After my dad left, Mama and I rambled from one low-income housing complex to another. When I was seven, Mama went to work so we could stay put a while. She worked nights and slept during the day while I was in school. No one knew she was leaving me alone.
She prepared food for me to have, bathed me and set a clock for nine,
so I would know when to go to bed. I wasn’t allowed outside. I couldn’t even look out the windows. I wasn’t allowed to use the stove or any other appliance, because I might cause a fire. Mama unplugged everything except the television which was in the bedroom.
I hid my fear from her as best I could. She had to work and I didn’t want to make things harder for her. When the door closed behind her, I crouched in the corner of the bedroom and cried. After a while, I’d get up and turn on all the lights. Watching television offered me some distraction, until I heard noises outside the door or in another apartment. Back to the corner I’d go. That’s when my toy soldiers became imaginary super heroes. First I briefed them on the threat outside, and then with military precision they secured the windows and the door.
Many nights I had difficulty falling asleep, and others, I was awakened by disturbing noises like knocking on doors or people screaming. The corner became my refuge with my friends protecting me.
Something woke me about two o’clock one morning. I was paralyzed in my bed. I didn’t know what had happened. Sirens screamed and men shouted. Red and blue lights flashed through the blinds.
As I reached for Super Hero Jimmy and Super Hero Johnny, I felt a gentle touch on top of my head. I snatched the covers over my head. My breath came in gasps and my heart pounded in my ears.
“Danny, there’s nothing to fear. I’m Lark. God sent me to help you. There’s a fire in another building, but your building is safe. Come out.”
I turned the cover back and there was an incredible looking man with massive wings. I shook my head, but he was still there. He was taller than the ceiling. “Who sent you?”
“God sent me. He told me to come and stay with you until you feel more secure about being alone.” His voice was smooth, but deep.
“My mama won’t let you stay. She’ll be scared to death of you.”
Lark chuckled. “She prays for you all the time. She asks God to protect you. Anyway she won’t see me. You’re the only one who can see me.”
That statement grabbed my curiosity and I sat up. “For real? I’m the only one who can see you? Cool!”
“That’s right Danny. I’m your guardian angel. You won’t need those plastic soldiers anymore.”
“You know about that? Does my mama know?”
“No, she doesn’t. God knows and He told me.”
“Will you come every night after Mama goes to work?”
Lark chuckled again. “Actually I’m with you all the time, but yes, I’ll be here every night.”
After that night my life changed. Lark helped me stop being afraid. I slept like a baby. I no longer needed super heroes. I had Lark and I had God watching over me. My mama’s prayers had been answered.
Once when I was talking to Lark, Mama heard me. She asked who I was talking with. I momentarily froze, but Lark whispered in my ear what to say. “Just one of my imaginary friends, Mama.”
The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.
Accept Jesus as Your Lord and Savior Right Now - CLICK HERE
JOIN US at FaithWriters for Free. Grow as a Writer and Spread the Gospel.
