The Unusual Occurrence Of Mote

Prologue: A Miracle And A Moteling

The sun melted into the horizon as Eary stared out the window of his childhood friends' room. It has been about four years now since Ephraim got sick. Eary spent most of his free time by his friends' side. Through doctor visits and treatments. But now, it seemed that time was closing the book on this part of Eary's life. His parents had sat him down the other day. They had explained that although Eary was a great friend and did all he could. God was getting ready to take Ephraim home.

Eary sat alongside his friend's broken and sick body. It seemed like forever ago that the two played at the park and in the yard. Now, he doesn't speak. A tube now supplies the meals he and Ephraim used to goof around during.

Eary placed his hand on Eph's forehead. His smooth scalp, a reminder of the things that have been lost. Eary sobbed a soft, deep agony. He was told that Ephraim could still hear him. In a soft voice between sobs, Eary reassured,

"Hey Eph! It's me, it's Eary."

As he spoke, the cracking of pain in his voice overwhelmed the boy, as a deep cry came after.

Lisa, Ephraim's mother, entered the room.

"Sweetie."

Mrs. Bennett sat next to the small boy of twelve. Placing her arm around the boy, she explained, "You've done so much for him and have been such a good friend. I can't thank you enough."

With tears streaming down his face, he replied, "I... I... think... I.... wanna stay here tonight with him." Lisa nodded in understanding as the two sat and watched Ephraim's labored breathing.

The hours passed like days as Eary's entire world slipped away before his eyes. The dim light from the window gave way to enshrouding darkness as Eary sat quietly by his friend's side. Mr. And Mrs. Bennett came into the room. They brought Eary his pajamas and sleeping bag and insisted on him getting some rest. The kindly couple helped the preteen unroll his sleeping bag and settle in for the night.

Eary lay there. His closed eyes could not shield him from the reality of Ephraim's heavy, irregular breaths. Rising from his usual resting spot. Eary crawled to his friend's side. Tears filled his eyes as he stared down at the friend he had cherished so deeply. In his desperation, he began to pray. It wasn't uncommon for Eary or anyone to pray over a sick friend. Eary, however, had a purpose. In his bones, he could feel it. He knew if he prayed hard enough, he could make a difference. He had tried many times before. Sometimes, Ephraim would get better. Sometimes nothing. Eary began to fear there was, in fact, nothing he could do at all.

Taking a deep breath, he extended his hands. Pressing them to the boy's heart, he prayed. "Please, God. I'll do anything for Ephraim to live! Just tell me what you want me to do, and I'll do it."

A moment later, Eary's hands erupted in a dazzling display of blue shimmering lights. The luminous marvel began to spread from Eary's hands, spreading through Ephraim's body. As he became completely filled with light, a great explosion of the luminous beams shot forth from the sick young man.

Eary in a panic leaped from the bed and hid in his sleeping bag. He clenched his eyes. Too afraid to move or speak. "Airbear?" A familiar voice called out to him. Turning his head in the now fully lit up room. Ephraim was standing, perfectly healthy, by the light switch.

"A-are you seeing this?" He stammered, his eyes wide in disbelief. The two stared at each other. Speechless by the revelation.

A moment later, Ephraim's parents burst in. Staring at their son, they immediately embraced him. "It's a miracle!" Brian, his father, exclaimed, sobbing between each word. Eary watched on in disbelief as the Bennett family was restored .

A few days later, Eary couldn't be happier. He and Ephraim had picked up seemingly where they had left off.

Not only that, but he was the talk of the town. News reporters, people from their church and strangers alike would come from far and wide to talk to the 'Miracle Kid'. Eary couldn't be more pleased.