Page 242 - TruthAboutLyingFinal

The Truth About Lying
“You assume prayer is a request sent upward.”
“It isn’t?”
“Sometimes,” it said. “More often, it is pain refusing to remain voiceless. Fear asking not to be alone. Love reaching beyond what it can control.”
Henry said nothing.
“Prayer gathers the scattered parts of the mind,” the Curator continued. “It gives grief somewhere to stand. It gives hope one more hour.”
“And when no answer comes?”
The Curator looked back at him.
“Answers come more often than your species notices.”
Its voice softened.
“A stranger who arrives in time.
“A doctor who does not give up.
“A friend who calls at the exact moment darkness deepens.
“Strength appearing where none should exist. “Forgiveness after it seemed impossible.” Henry felt his throat tighten.
“And when none of that comes?”
The Curator’s outline shimmered.
“Then the prayer remains with those who hear it.” Henry frowned. “Who hears it?”
“You do.”
He stood very still.
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