Zoe stared at the bottle of sleeping pills she’d stolen from her mother’s medicine cabinet. It would be so easy. Just fall asleep and never wake up again. No one would care – no one would miss her. Her mom could stop pretending she cared and spend all her time with Rich, or Lamar, or whatever guy she was into this week.

The girls at school would whisper about her, of course, but after a couple of weeks, they’d find a new target for their gossip and lies.

A cloud shifted, and mottled sunlight streamed through the streaked window. Zoe watched the dust particles dance in the beam as the sun warmed her skin. Maybe one last trip to the park, just for old time’s sake.

Zoe pulled on a sweatshirt and lifted the hood over her head, not wanting to be seen. She walked the mile to the park in silence, taking in all the surroundings. She swallowed a lump in her throat as she passed Ginny’s house. They’d been so close until her dad’s job relocated them to the other side of the country. Sure, they could have kept in touch, but Ginny had a new life now. She didn’t need to be bothered by Zoe’s problems. Zoe frowned. Everything had been better with Ginny in her corner. But now, it had been two years. When had they last spoke or even texted? No, Ginny wouldn’t miss her.

Further down the street was Mrs. Hernandez’ house. Since she passed away, the place had gone downhill. Mrs. Hernandez would roll over in her grave if she knew the new owners let her yard get overgrown. Zoe allowed her mind to travel back to simpler times; she and Ginny sipping lemonade with Mrs. Hernandez while she talked to them about her God. Some God He turned out to be, taking away everyone who mattered to Zoe and leaving her with her deadbeat mom and her boyfriends who found Zoe way too interesting. Maybe this walk was a bad idea.

Zoe turned the corner, and the park came into view. Even as her neighborhood grew increasingly run-down, somehow the park maintained its beauty. In all fairness, it was only a bunch of trees surrounding a little lake, but Zoe loved it. She picked up the pace as she drew nearer. She strode toward her favorite place in all the world. Tucked between two trees was the perfect hideaway with a glorious view of the lake. She and Ginny had spent countless hours there. While other people strolled the path around the lake or sat on benches, this little nook under the trees was a perfect place to escape, to hide when life got too hard.

Thinking about nothing but her spot, Zoe lifted a branch and drew back in shock.  Someone else was there. In all these years, Zoe had never found anyone else in her spot.

The young woman shielded her eyes from the sunlight Zoe had exposed. She was only a few years older than Zoe. Her eyes were swollen, and her cheeks streaked with tears. Zoe backed away, ready to run back home and finish things, but the young woman spoke with a voice so full of hurt Zoe couldn’t move another step.

“Please, stay.”

Zoe stared at her. “Are you OK?”

The young woman snorted. “No, I’m not OK.  I thought I wanted to be alone, but seeing you there made me realize I was wrong.” She ran a thumb under her eyes, wiping away the tears. “You clearly came here for a reason. Would you mind sitting with me for a few minutes?”

Zoe bit her lip, considering. What could it hurt? True, no one could see them unless they came right up to this spot, but this woman didn’t appear dangerous at all. She simply looked like she needed a friend. Zoe let the branch fall into place behind her and took her seat on the rock next to the woman.

“I’m Kara,” the woman said, and held out a hand. Zoe shook it, and mumbled “Zoe.”

Kara’s face morphed into a smile. “You’re a blessing from God, Zoe.”

Zoe snatched back her hand. No one had ever said that to her before. “I don’t feel like a blessing, and even if I was, I definitely didn’t come from God.”

“You’re wrong. God knew I needed someone to talk to, and you appeared. I didn’t think anyone else knew about this place.” Kara lowered her eyes. “I come here sometimes to think or to pray.”

Zoe, caught off guard by the young woman, couldn’t help but feel drawn to her. “I love this spot. You can watch the lake and no one can see you.” Memories of what this safe haven represented flooded her. Before she got too caught up in herself, she changed the subject. “What are you crying about?”

Kara’s lower lip trembled. “I volunteer at the hospital. A homeless woman came in today and she didn’t make it. I’ve never seen anyone die before.”

Zoe stared at her. “You’re crying over a homeless person?”

Kara blinked. “She died, Zoe. That’s a big deal to me. Sure, I didn’t know her, but every life matters. No matter how insignificant someone may seem, their life affects everyone around them.”

Zoe leaned back against the rock, her head spinning. Was it true? Did her life really matter?

Kara pressed her fingertips to her eyes and took a deep breath. “I think I’m OK now. Thanks for listening. It meant a lot.” She grinned at Zoe. “See, I don’t know you, and you blessed my life today.” She reached over and squeezed Zoe’s shoulder. “Maybe I’ll see you here again sometime.” She stood, moved the branches aside, and was gone before Zoe could utter another word.

Zoe sat motionless on the rock as the clouds moved overhead and people circled the lake. Had God actually used her to bless Kara? Was it true? Did everyone affect other people, even Zoe? Her mind flew back through her life and those who were in it. What would Mrs. Hernandez think if she knew what Zoe had been contemplating? How would her mom feel? Or Ginny, if she found out? A lump formed in Zoe’s throat as she thought of her old friend. Why not? She pulled out her phone and typed.

Ginny, I’m sitting in our special place and missing you.

A moment later, Ginny’s return message arrived.

I miss you so much. I figured you were busy with your life without me, so I haven’t called. How are you?

How many times had Zoe wanted to call Ginny but didn’t for fear of rejection? Never again. She pushed aside the branch, moved out into the sunlight and sat on a bench by the edge of the lake. No longer hiding in the shadows, she called her best friend.

Matthew 10:29-31

  Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

Lord, You have created all of us. Our life is precious to You. Please help us to remember, not only do You have the hairs of our head numbered, You also number the hairs of everyone we meet. Help us to reach out to those who are hurting. Help them to see Your love in us so they know their life has meaning and value, no matter what difficulties they face. In Jesus’ name, Amen.