I looked up at him.
His words were wistful yet sincere, and I knew deep down that he was doing this because he loved me.

I reflected on it some more.
“Look, this all just seems so crazy right now.
I had a tough day, and I just want to go to bed.
Okay?”
I said.

“Yeah. I could use some rest myself.
We’ll talk about this in the morning, if you’re feeling up to it.”

“Okay.”

I started to make my way up the stairs.

“Hey, Essie?”

I turned to face him.

“Yeah?”

“Never stop believing in God.”

“I’ll try to hold on,” I said, finally at peace.