Inette's Sanctuary: Part 5

Inette grieved deeply over the loss of William. After two weeks William was buried, and his death became all too real. Inette knew now that he was never coming back.

She secluded herself from everyone. She would talk to neither father nor mother. She would stay by the river’s bank long after sunset, frightening her parents more than once. She hardly ate, and never saw a stranger’s face.

She cried to God. “Why?” She sobbed. “After all that he did for me, why did You take him away?”

Inette saw no light, no shred of hope. She had opened her heart, and now it hurt. This was worse than anything she ever feared. Her best friend she ever had was gone, and she didn’t even know him for very long.

Her parents tried talking with her, but she would not heed their words. They turned to the only other person she trusted for help.

Captain Reigner knew that if he could not reach her, she would be lost forever. Praying for the right words and a listening ear, Reigner ventured into Inette’s sanctuary.

He walked up to her side and sat down. He said nothing. After a moment, Inette leaned against him and wept.

Reigner held her tight. “There, there,” he whispered. “Let it go. Let it all out.”

Inette drenched the Captain’s coat with her sobs.

Reigner lifted the girl’s chin and said, “Look at me. Nothing I can say will ever take away the heart ache. I know you loved him, and I have a feeling you never fully realized it yourself before now.”

Inette turned her eyes downward.

“I also know that William loved you. And if he could speak to you now, he would not want you to grieve as you do. I have had the privilege of watching you grow up, and I have never been prouder of you then I have been these past several months since you met William. You have fought to conquer your fears and leave your comfort zones. I hate to see you give up now, and I know William would not have wanted you to give up either.”

Inette pulled out a bundle of letters from the pocket in her cloak. She laid them out and said, with a hiccup, “I know.”

Inette let Reigner look at her letters, and though he didn’t know how deep their relationship had grown, he could see its evolution with each piece of paper.

“Cherish your friendship,” Reigner said. “God gave you William when you needed him most. Don’t let the lessons you learned from him die with his body. For he is with Jesus now, and I know they are watching over you. I love you, my dear, and I’m praying for you.”

Reigner kissed Inette on the forehead and left her alone.

Inette knew all that Captain Reigner said was true. Though she loved William, she knew that God loved her more. All that she ever believed was being tested now. She knew what she had to do.

Inette got down on her knees and prayed to God saying, “I am afraid. I admit it. Help me to conquer my fear. I know You haven’t left me, and You took William home. Help me follow your will for my life, and give me strength… and comfort.”

The last word she sobbed, and the rest of her prayer was poured out from her heart without words. When she was finished, a soft wind blew over her, and she felt peace.

From that day forward she took up William’s dream as her own. She sailed across the world, meeting new people, and sharing her renewed faith in Jesus. She found her greatest comfort and sanctuary in her Savior. She eventually married and had two children of her own. Though she still needed a retreat from time to time, she no longer consumed the bread of idleness, and worked to preserve the memory of her dear friend.

Just like William had wished, Inette found the place she loved the most and stayed after she was satisfied with her travels. She returned home to her parents and Captain Reigner, for there was no place she loved more.