After listening to all of Shane's letters and enjoying a quick meal from a food truck in the park, Oliver was enjoying a leisurely walk arm-in-arm with Shane back to her house. They were nearly there when suddenly a few fireworks appeared in the night sky. At the loud booming, Oliver felt Shane stiffen and freeze beside him.
Oliver turned to face her.
"Shane?"
Her eyes were glazed over and unfocused.
Oliver gently took Shane's face and looked into her eyes.
"Shane . . ." he whispered.
"Oliver?"
The pain in her voice shattered his heart, and in that moment, his anger toward Steve knew no bounds. He drew her into an embrace and did the only thing that he knew to do.
"Lord, thank you for bringing my Shane back to me. I missed her terribly while she was away. Please, bless her for all of the work that she did to protect so many people."
At this, Shane broke and started to cry. Oliver held her tighter and kissed the top of her head before continuing.
"Please heal her heart and her head from the frightening memories. Give her your peace, the peace that passes all understanding. And Lord, I ask you to help me. I am angry at those responsible for Shane being away from me. Please, rid me of the anger and bitterness. Help us to move forward toward the plan that you would have for us. In Jesus' name, Amen."
Oliver continued to hold Shane, while she continued to cry.
"Just go ahead and cry all you need. I'm here, and I'm not leaving," Oliver whispered in her ear.
And so there they stood, until Shane was all out of tears. Finally, she lifted her face to him and kissed his cheek. "Walk me home?"
"Of course."
When they reached her porch, Oliver said, "You once told me that you did not feel good about leaving me alone. I feel that way right now."
"Well then, will you sit with me on our swing for awhile?"
"It would be an honor, my dear Shane."
