Chapter 411

Sandra sat at her small desk in the living room, her computer open as she worked diligently on her manuscript. Grace sat on the carpet nearby, toys strung across the room while she played with her dolls. The sound of thunder echoed outside, and the clouds grew darker with each passing moment. She looked up as lightning streaked the sky, followed by a particularly loud rumbling that shook the walls. Grace jumped, then ran to her mother, holding her arms out for her to be picked up.

“Is God still bowling?” the small child asked, referring to the story Creighton told her about the sound being the result of the Lord making a strike in heaven’s bowling alley.

“It sounds like he is close to scoring a perfect game,” her mother said, hugging her daughter closer to her.

The storm had been raging all morning, making the air seem cool and unforgiving. Sandra sighed deeply as she tried to screw a smile on her face. She was certain her mood reflected the weather, though she knew the loneliness th