The Assigned Read Online Free PDF Page B

us?” he asks.
    “Uh huh,” Christina nods.
    “You go ahead sweetie. I’ll watch,” are the words that pour from my mouth although my face says more.
    “Ok suit yourself. On a count of three. 1 … 2 …”
    The three join in a synchronized prayer. “Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul to keep. If I should die before I wake, I pray the Lord my soul to take. Amen.”
    I’m sure my face has deepened in color by now. The only thing that keeps me from berating this hospital preacher man is the fact I don’t wanna upset my daughter.
    I throw the chaplain a curt glance letting him know it’s time to end his visit.
    “I’ll try to stop by tomorrow, little Chrissy. I’ll say a prayer for your father too,” he smiles as he winks. Christina almost seems to blush. He hugs Alicia before I ask to see him outside. I don’t understand why he has this effect on them.
    In the hallway, I’m ready to give the reverend an earful. I could care less about his white collar. To me, anything or anyone that represents a god is just as fake as the smiles people give me around the hospital. This so-called chaplain just takes advantage of families in their time of sorrow. With the door firmly closed, I begin my rampage.
    “Look, I don’t care who you are. Stay away from—”
    “Mr. Myers, are you a man of faith?” the chaplain interrupts.
    Part of me wants to ignore the chaplain’s question and continue with my storm of words but something compels me to answer. This may be the perfect segue to really tell him what I think of all this ‘god’ mumbo-jumbo. I look him straight in the eye.
    “If you’re asking if I believe in some jolly, white bearded dude that sits in the sky determining who lives or dies, the answer is no.”
    “That’s unusual, Mr. Myers. Especially considering your daughter is so full of faith.”
    “She’s a child easily influenced and as a matter of fact, I don’t appreciate you filling her head with this junk. Especially while she lies there …” Tears beg for permission but I deny their request. “… dying.”
    “Mr. Myers, I don’t believe in an old white-haired guy that sits in the sky picking people off at random. I believe in God. A God that is kind, loving—”
    “Loving?” I counter. “What kind of god lets an innocent five-year-old die?
    “I don’t know God’s reasons for everything,” says the chaplain. “And frankly who am I to question God? But I do know—”
    “That’s just what I thought preacher man . You don’t know anything. Me and my daughter are doing just fine without you or your god.”
    I turn my back on Chaplain Bryant as I head towards the room. He calls for me but I refuse. The chaplain tries again, this time almost shouting. “Mr. Myers! Please!”
    I stop for a moment, my back still turned.
    “Mr. Myers, your daughter lies in that room fighting for her life. I’ve prayed for her and with her, but sometimes God wants to see what are you going to do for yourself before He intervenes. Please, pray for your daughter. What do you have to lose? If I’m wrong, oh well, life as usual. But just imagine for one moment that I’m right. Think about it, sir. Don’t let the past destroy your faith. Make the first step. God will do the rest. Do it for your daughter, Mr. Myers.”
    I turn towards Chaplain Bryant, making sure he hears and understands every word I’m about to say. “Your services are no longer needed … preacher man ,” I spew before slamming the door.

    “Why did you do that Zeek?” Alicia frowns. She’s been listening. “We need all the prayers we can get!”
    “Prayers?!” I nearly growl. “Alicia, god has nothing to do with this! There is no—” I glance towards Christina. Our voices have risen quite a bit and neither of us wants to do anything to upset her, regardless of the topic. We continue, more subdued. “There is no god,” I say. “What kind of god would let a five year-old suffer like this, hunh? First Angel,