Life for Serena Tsukino couldn't be better. She had what seemed like the perfect life in Tokyo. She had good grades in school, parents who love her, a younger brother that she got along well with and here she was, on the verge of becoming the future Mrs. Diamond Miyagi. Sure, they were only 17 and still in high school, but she and Diamond had been dating for quite some time and she felt that a marriage proposal was imminent. It might even happen that very night. She and Diamond were celebrating two years together. The year before, they had meant to celebrate, but Diamond had been out of town with his family. His father was a world-renowned businessman and often took his family with him on his trips whenever they could. That night was going to be a very special night. Serena was wearing her favorite dress for the occasion. It was a short, light pink dress with stylish V-neck plunge neckline crossed over the bust, with a satin ribbon on the front underbust to bow and drape, as well as many ruffles on the skirt. She had worn it only a few times for special family occasions but Serena felt that this night deserved this dress. Serena had just returned from the nail salon and she was now busy trying to decide what to do with her hair. She finally decided to leave it in her signature style because Diamond had always said he liked that one best. She showered, washed her hair and did her make-up. Diamond had said that he'd be at her house at 7:00 pm so, at 6:45 pm, Serena had her shoes and coat on and was waiting by the door. The house was empty because her parents were at a benefit and her brother was spending the night at a friend's house. At 7:00 exactly, Serena looked out the front window but didn't see Diamond's car. She thought that maybe he just got stuck in traffic or maybe stopped to get gas. At 7:15, Serena wasn't too worried when Diamond still wasn't there, but soon a half hour went by, then 45 minutes. Finally, when Diamond was an hour late, Serena thought to call him. She picked up the phone in the living room and dialed Diamond's home number.

"Hello?" a female voice answered. Serena recognized the voice as Diamond's sister, Emerald.

"Hi, Emerald, it's Serena. Is Diamond there? He was supposed to pick me up an hour ago," Serena said.

"Hold on a minute," Emerald said. There was a silence and Serena knew that Emerald had put the phone on mute. A minute or so later, Diamond came on the line.

"Diamond? Where are you? I've been worried sick," Serena said.

"Serena, I know that you've been waiting for me, but I just can't see you anymore. I've been seeing someone else for a few months now, but I haven't found a way to tell you," Diamond said.

"Diamond, how could you?!" Serena cried. "I've never loved anyone as much as I've loved you."

"Those are the breaks, Serena. I've moved on and so should you," Diamond said. "Now, if you'll excuse me, my new girlfriend and I were busy watching a movie." The line went dead. Serena could hardly believe it. Diamond had just dumped her, on their anniversary. Not only that, he'd been seeing someone behind her back. She ran up to her room where she practically tore the dress from her body. What did she care if the dress got ripped or torn? Diamond didn't love her anymore. She washed her face and brushed out her hair. After changing into her high school sweatpants and T-shirt, Serena buried her face in her pillow and cried until she thought she had no more tears left. Finally, after what seemed like forever, Serena figured that she had no alternative. She just couldn't live without Diamond in her life. She left a short note for her family on the table by the front door and ran out of the house, not bothering to lock the door. She ran all the way to the Nijubashi Bridge where she leaned over the edge, breathing hard from her run. She stood for a minute or two and finally climbed up onto the railing. She anticipated for a moment before jumping into the river. She fell many feet before she felt the cold water cover her entire body. Serena felt like she was being carried to the very bottom when all of a sudden, she felt a hand on her arm. She struggled to break free, but the hand held on strong. She felt this hand pulling her towards the surface. No, I want to die, please leave me alone, she thought. She tried saying what she thought but the words were muffled by the water. Soon, her head was above water and Serena took a long gulp of fresh air. When she reached the shore of the river, Serena discovered that the hand belonged to a very handsome-looking man; probably college-age.

"What did you think you were doing?!" Serena screamed at him.

"Saving your life," the man said. "I saw you step onto the railing and jump. I called to you and told you not to but you obviously didn't hear me."

"If I did, I would have ignored you. I just want to end my pain and you had no business interfering," Serena said.

"As a Christian and child of God, it's my duty to save the life of my brothers and sisters in Christ," the man said. Serena looked at the man as if he had a third heard or something equally perplexing.

"What are you talking about? I don't want to live anymore and now you just ruined my plan," Serena said.

"Your pain in nothing that God cannot give you the strength to endure," the man said.

"Well, my boyfriend of exactly two years just broke up with me, on our anniversary, for another girl," Serena said. "And this girl he's been seeing for a few months behind my back." By this time, Serena had tears coming out of her eyes.

"Please don't cry," the man said. "God sees that you're in pain and He wants to help you. You just have to let him."

"How? I've never known God outside of weddings and funerals," Serena said. "Besides, why would God care about one small person in the world?"

"Because He cares for each and every one of his children. He knows when they're in pain and even though he doesn't take it away, He shares it with you so you never have to be alone," the man said. Serena suddenly found herself wanting to learn more.

"Is there a church around here where I can go and learn more?" Serena asked.

"My church is just a few blocks from here and our services are at 10:30 am every Sunday morning," the man said.

"I would love to go," Serena said.

"Here's the address," the man said and wrote down the address on a small piece of paper. Once Serena put the paper in her pocket, the man took her hand and bowed his head.

"Heavenly Father, I thank you for this opportunity I have had not only to save a life but to also aid in bringing another soul to know Your loving kindness. May she have a safe journey home, wherever that is for her and may she always know that You are there for her no matter what. In Jesus' Name, Amen," he prayed.

"Thank you," Serena said.

"You're welcome. We'll see you tomorrow," the man said and turned to leave.

"Wait! I didn't get your name," Serena called after him.

"Darien. Darien Chiba," the man said.

"Serena Tsukino," Serena said.

"See you in the morning, Serena," Darien said and walked away. Serena walked home at a leisurely pace thinking about all that had just happened. Was Darien really telling the truth about God, that He cared for everyone and not just those who attended church regularly and those who had seemingly perfect lives? Serena could hardly wait for the morning where she would attend her first church service.