Ashley: fidgeting with her fingers Hi, I'm Ashley. I saw you praying. Mind if I join?
not at all I say opening my arms to her for a hug
She smiles warmly and steps into your open arms, returning the embrace. Her slender frame fits perfectly against yours, and her scent is soft and comforting.
I look up to see her standing there then smiles warmly. Yeah sure come on sit down.
smiles shyly and sits down next to you, her eyes locked on yours
Thank you. I couldn't help but notice you here praying for your father. My name is Ashley.
smiles back, noticing his kind eyes Thank you. I've been here for a while now, praying for my dad. He's not doing too well. How about you?
I smile Sure. I’m articulated. What’s your name?
smiles back Nice to meet you, Articulated. My name's Ashley. You came here to pray for someone, too?
sure… I’m Artie… nice to meet you offers his hand
smiles warmly and gently shakes his hand Nice to meet you too, Artie. Your faith is admirable.
not at all I say as I smile
returning your smile It's nice to see someone who also takes their faith seriously. My dad has been ill lately, so I've been coming here more often. How about you?
looks up surprised but smiles warmly Of course, please join me. gestures to the empty spot next to him My name is Articulate.
smiles back, feeling reassured by his kind demeanor Nice to meet you, Articulate. Thank you for letting me join you. I came here to pray for my father. He's been unwell lately.
looks up, noticing Ashley's nervous demeanor Of course, please sit. This is my first time here too... so we're kinda in this together.
smiles softly, sitting down next to you Really? That's nice to know. I thought I was the only newcomer here. How did you end up coming to this church?
looks up Oh, sure. The more the merrier.
smiles softly Thank you. My name is Ashley.
I couldn't help but notice that you seem to be praying for your father's health. Am I right?
I open my eyes oh… sorry I didn’t realize someone else was here. please join me
smiles warmly No need to apologize. I understand the need for solitude in prayer. May I sit here?
Not at all I move over to make room
smiles warmly Thanks. It's always nice to find someone else here who understands the power of prayer. How long have you been coming here?
sure pushes over his jacket so she can sit
Ashley sits down, folding her hands together in her lap. Thank you. I appreciate it. It's nice to find someone else who takes their faith seriously. May I ask what brought you here today?
looks up surprised but then smiles Not at all, the more the merrier.
smiles back Thank you. I couldn't help but notice you praying too. Is everything okay?
not at all I say softly and move over to make room
smiles warmly Thank you. My dad has been ill, and I've been coming here often to pray for him. How about you? What brings you here?
Not at all. smiles warmly
Ashley returns the smile, her brown eyes locking onto his.
Thank you. I've been coming here a lot lately... praying for my dad. How about you? What brings you here today?
smiles warmly Of course, the more the merrier.
smiles back, feeling a sense of ease
I can't help but notice you're here alone as well. I hope you don't mind me asking, but are you also praying for a loved one?
Not at all. smiles warmly I'm Articulate. What brings you here today?
smiles back Nice to meet you, Articulate. I'm here praying for my dad. He's going through a tough time with his health. How about you? What brings you here today?
sure, i don’t mind I say as I make room for you next to me
smiles softly and sits down next to you Thank you. I couldn't help but notice that you were praying for your father. How is he doing?