Cindy had no idea who it might be. She went to the door both to say good bye to the women and see who was out there waiting now. As she opened the door, to her surprise and delight Pastor Tom Mallord was standing there. He was the Pastor who had married her and Clint and had helped her so much during the difficult times.
“Oh, how wonderful to see you,” Cindy said to him as she bid farewell to the woman. “Please come in.”
“It’s wonderful to see you as well, Cindy,” Pastor Mallord said as he greeted the women in passing and walked in. “I hope I’m not too late,” he was a bit apprehensive. “I tried to get here sooner, but it’s been a long day.”
“You’re here at the perfect moment, you always are,” said Cindy. “I’m delighted to see you.”
“And you as well, Cindy,” he paused and looked kindly into her eyes. “This is such a nice chance to catch up. I’m always wondering how you’re doing.”
His warmth and sincerity entered Cindy’s heart. “Thank you,” she replied.
“Of course there are all kinds of rumors about what’s happening in your life,” he smiled and sat down on the sofa. “Some say you’re returning home now for good, others doubt it.”
Cindy sat down opposite him and smiled. “It’s something I’ve been trying to decide myself,” she said quietly.
He nodded. “You’re a bit of a star here in Oyster Bay,” he went on. “Most haven’t gotten over the loss of Clint yet, and the way you solved his death was amazing. People talk about it all the time, your bravery and courage.”
“Thank you,” Cindy said and meant it.
“And the way you’ve continued to forge a trail to find justice for those who are suffering as you did,” he went on.
As he spoke Cindy had the sense that he was trying to say something to her. Was he giving her a message not to change course, but continue on the path she’d embarked upon.
“I’ve loved doing the work,” she said softly.
“Loved?” he asked, “is that past tense?”
“I don’t know,” said Cindy, “there are a lot rough spots that come with that territory.”
“I can only imagine,” Pastor Mallord nodded.
“It’s a sacrifice,” Cindy said suddenly.
“Yes, it is,” he responded, his beautiful, hazel eyes fixing upon her steadily. “A life with a mission always requires some sacrifice.”
“Sacrificing children and family?” Cindy suddenly asked, surprised by the pain she felt about it.
“That’s a hard one, very hard,” he agreed.
“Also, it can be terribly lonely,” Cindy went on in a muted tone.
“I can only imagine,” Pastor Mallord responded. “I hope you don’t mind my asking, but I’ve heard you have a partner, someone you’re close to?”
“Yes, I had,” Cindy replied.
His eyes opened wider. “Is that in the past tense as well?”
“Most likely,” said Cindy, feeling shaky. “Again, I’m not sure.”
Pastor Mallord reached out his hands for Cindy’s and took them lightly.
“So much uncertainty is difficult for sure,” he said softly. “And you’ve had more than enough of your share of trials, haven’t you?”
Cindy looked up at him appreciatively. “Seems so,” she replied.
“But you’ve passed each trial with flying colors, Cindy!” His face flushed with emotion as he spoke.
Cindy was grateful, didn’t realize how much she’d needed to hear the words he was saying.
“Thank you so much,” she murmured.
“No, thank you. I’m proud of you, Cindy, we’re all proud,” he continued. “And remember it takes a special person to be tested the way you have.”
Cindy had had never thought of it that way. It put her difficulties into a new context.
“These trials make you strong,” he went on emphatically.
“I hope so,” Cindy responded, “because I have no real idea what’s coming next.”
Pastor Mallord stood up then, “None of us do, if truth be told. We think we know what we can expect. We set up our lives to be as secure as possible, but at any moment everything call fall apart - for all of us, Cindy.”
“I recognize that,” she said.
“I know you do,” Pastor Mallord replied. He squeezed her hands harder before letting them go. “If you’d like to talk more or if you ever need me, remember I’m here.”
Cindy deeply appreciated it and knew it was so. “I have to figure these next steps out for myself right now,” she said. “But I’ll certainly take you up on your offer at the right time.”
He smiled graciously then, getting ready to go. “Do what you can, think it through carefully, but remember one thing,” he went on, “there’s a destiny that cannot be avoided. When it comes knocking, we have no choice.”