‘I came in here to get away from you,’ he snapped.
‘Over to you, Badger,’ Charlene whispered. She let go of the lead, and he jumped up on the pew, trying to lick Peter's face. She sat at the other end as they tussled together. After less than a minute of Badger's affection, Peter covered his face and began to cry. Then, sliding along, she put her arm around him.
‘I'm sorry. I didn't mean to be unkind,’ Peter sobbed. ‘I don't know what's happening anymore. What I'm saying. I'm sorry...’
‘Shh. It's alright now.’ Charlene cuddled Peter and kissed his head. ‘You're safe. That's all Janet, and I care about. And Badger too,’ she said, tickling the dog's chin.
‘I just couldn't take... what Janet said,’ Peter gulped, wiping his eyes, ‘I didn't mean to upset her or get you out in this weather. I just wanted to be alone.’
‘You're never alone, Peter, not now you've given your heart to the Lord. And especially not in a church.’
‘I came in out of the rain. Not for God, I'm finished with all that.’
‘No, you're not. You're in here because that's where God wants you right now. Safe, so he can talk to you.’
‘I can't take any more of him. All my prayers, yours as well. A waste of time.’
‘No, they weren't. God can still heal Janet if he wishes. We must trust. Prayers are never a waste of time, God hears and acts on every one, but we have to be accepting that his plans are sometimes different from ours.’