Rick s Dilemma

The sun dipped low on the horizon, casting a warm, golden glow over the quaint town of Sainthood. The sound of church bells echoed through the peaceful streets, calling the faithful to the evening service. Families gathered, chatting and laughing, as they made their way to the small, white chapel that stood at the heart of the community.

In a modest cottage nestled among the trees, Eliza stood before a simple wooden mirror, adjusting the delicate lace collar of her dress. Her grandmother, Margaret, walked around the cozy kitchen, the scent of a freshly baked apple pie wafting through the air.

“Eliza, dear,” Margaret called with a gentle and soft smile on her face, “It is time to leave for church. Our voices are needed in the choir today. You know how heavenly the atmosphere of the church gets each time you minister.”

Eliza nodded, her hazel eyes reflecting a mix of excitement and reverence. She carefully tucked a strand of chestnut hair behind her ear before joining her grandmother to leave for church.

Together, they stepped out into the warm embrace of the evening, their footsteps carrying them toward the chapel where their voices would join others in songs.

As the church service came to a close, the congregation slowly dispersed, sharing smiles and pleasantries as they made their way home.

Eliza and Margaret lingered for a while, exchanging greetings with fellow parishioners who admired Eliza’s angelic voice, including giving different compliments and sharing testimonies.

With the sun now lower in the sky, Eliza and her grandmother made their way back to their cottage. Margaret’s kind eyes held a serene joy as she looked at her granddaughter.

“Eliza, you sang beautifully today,” Margaret praised. Her voice filled with maternal pride and joy.

Eliza blushed modestly, her heart warmed by her grandmother’s words. “Thank you, Grandma. It’s a blessing to be part of the choir and to further share this blessing to the congregation.”

As they entered their cottage, the aroma of the apple pie that Margaret had prepared earlier filled the air, adding a touch of sweetness to the cozy home. They sat at the kitchen table, sharing a slice of pie and savouring the moment of togetherness.

After enjoying their slice of pie, Eliza helped her grandmother clear the dishes. As they worked side by side, Eliza couldn’t help but feel a mixture of gratitude and restlessness. She knew that her love for singing extended beyond the hymns of the church, and she yearned for something more than that.

“Grandma,” Eliza began tentatively, “I’ve been thinking about music a lot for a while now.”

Margaret turned from the sink, her eyes filled with gentle understanding. “Music is a beautiful gift, dear. It’s a way to express the feelings deep within your heart.”

Eliza nodded, her chestnut hair falling gently around her face. “I’ve been dreaming, Grandma, of being part of something bigger, of singing on a grand stage filled with diverse audiences asides the church.”

Margaret’s smile never wavered, but there was a hint of concern in her eyes. “Eliza, you know our church is a special place, and your voice is a blessing to all who hear it. As you have witnessed and heard, there are testimonies.”