“Welcome home, honey,” she exclaimed as her sud soaked hands dripped over the sink. He sauntered over and gave her the daily kiss that had become so routine all these years.
“You wouldn’t believe the day I’ve had,” said Andrew. “You know that piece of property over on 22nd street? The old abandoned warehouse?”
She nodded and whispered “Uh-huh” as she continued slashing around in the sink.
“We had the appraiser come by today and the price has nearly doubled. I think the firm and I are going to sell the piece. That would bring home a much needed chunk of cash for us.”
She gasped and spun around, dripping white speckled water onto the linoleum. “That’s amazing, honey!” exclaimed Sophia. “I am so proud of you!” she told him as she walked over and gave him a half hug, not wanting to get her wet hands upon his blue button up. “You know, we should really give some of that money to the church. Is Steve going to tithe his share?”
“Steve talked today about giving all of his share to the church. It sounded crazy at the time, but for some reason on the way home, that started really sounding like a good thing to do.”
“Are you serious? Steve doesn’t need any of that money, what with the Country Club membership, his beautiful wife Christy, and the 2 kids. He’s got it made. Honey, we really need this money.”
“I know, I know” he said, frustrated but in agreement with his wife. “I just really don’t know what I should do. We do need that money.” After a long pause, Andrew asked, “How was your day at work?” At this, Sophia turned back to finish the dishes as she expounded on her day at the gallery. The discussion about the money weighed on their shoulders like two buckets full of water, yet they carried on, avoiding the subject at all costs.
Later that night, while lying in bed, Andrew rolled over, running his fingers through his wife’s blonde, sun soaked hair, and asked, “What do you think I should do?”
“I really don’t know. Maybe we should give it all. I am starting to think that’s what we are suppose to do, but we need it badly. The power bill is already a month late and they are threatening to turn it off. I had to argue for 30 minutes on the phone today, telling them the check got lost in the mail.”
“We should probably keep just a little bit. We really need to get these bills paid.” Sophia was in agreement, and they fell asleep, content at their decision and at ease with the possibility of finally getting their bills paid off.
The sale went through as planned later that month. The firm made their prophet, which they distributed amongst the group, each getting their fair share.
The following Sunday, Andrew and Sophia sat in their usual pew at church. They always enjoyed their Sunday morning together and felt very connected to the congregation and the pastor. The longed to be more involved but were just waiting for their time and chance. As the collection plate passed again, Andrew placed a very sizable check into the collection place. Steve and Christy, only one row back, happened to unintentionally glance at the check Andrew left. After the service, Steve approached Andrew and said, “I know it’s not really my place and I really shouldn’t say anything, but I happened to notice your check in the offering place.” Andrew was getting visibly angry, while inside feelings of nervousness and conviction were welling inside him. “I thought you told me you had thought about giving all of that sale back to the church? What’s the deal?”
Andrew answered, “You know what, Steve? That’s really none of your business. I have a few bills my wife and I need to pay off. I have obligations I have to meet. Sorry we can’t all live in a two-story house on a coul-de-sac.”
Andrew then took his wife by the wrist and proceed to leave the church, angry about the confrontation with Steve. “Bye Christy!” Sophia exclaimed with a wave of her free hand as her husband dragged her away. “What’s the big deal?” she asked him as she continued to be dragged.
“Nevermind!” he quipped, as they made their way to the car. Continuing to be irritated, Andrew sped out of the lot, screeching his tires upon the white pavement, leaving a trail of black in his wake. For the next few blocks Andrew proceed to drive wrecklessly, coming close to several fender benders and at least two pedestrians.
“Slow down! Do you want to get us killed?” shouted Sophia, in a desperate plea for her life.
He turned to her and yelled, “We really need that money, right?”
“Right” she said.
“But we both felt like we should give it all, right?”
“Well… right” she said. As she glanced back to the road, she saw a truck that had swerved to miss an accident cross over the median into their lane. She screamed, “Look out!”
At this moment, Andrew glanced back at the road, only to pull his foot off the gas and reach the brake at the moment of impact. The force was too much, leaving a tangled mess of metal and broken bodies.
For more: Acts 5
