Page 26 - Faraway Frieds

20 FARAWAY FRIENDS
They talk about having a hope that extends beyond this present life,” Daya confided. “They have a pic- ture that looks something like yours,” she added, pointing to the portrait of Jesus hanging on the wall.
“Yes, I’ve loved Jesus ever since I was a very little girl. I read my Bible and pray. I’d say Jesus gives me hope for what lies beyond this life.” MaryCatherine felt uncertain about going any further, trying to judge how open to this Daya was. But, just then, Tabby woke with a start, swatting at a fly that had landed on his nose. He meowed his complaint, stretched, and then settled back to sleep on the ledge.
The girls laughed at this performance as Mary- Catherine heard the elevator door open and shut down the hall outside their apartment. Soon, Dad was inserting his key in the door.
“Wow! Can it really be that late? Dad’s here!” she exclaimed.
It took some persuading as the girls’ commentar- ies tumbled over each other. “OK! OK! I’ll consider adding a cat to the family,” Dad said firmly, “but only after he spends a night at the vet’s to check him out. MaryCatherine, where’s that picnic basket we brought with us?” Dad asked. “I’ll take this Tabby to the vet’s clinic before it closes. We can walk to the restaurant after I get back.”
“And that’s how the day ended,” MaryCatherine shared with her sister at their next online meeting.