Love's Redemption (Chris and Maddie)
Hello 535

"Then why did you make a wish for everyone?" I asked, puzzled.

The smile faded from Lena's face. "Over the years, I've seen too many women fighting cancer, too many babies who never got a chance to see the world, too many heartbreaking goodbyes.

"Every time I see it, it hurts... I just wish I didn't have to see it anymore.

"I think I'd be a lot happier that way.

She took my hand. "So, in a way, my hope for everyone is also a hope for myself."

In that moment, I looked at Lena, and there was something almost radiant about her, like she was shining from within.

She didn't seem to notice and asked, "Are you sure you want to climb all the way up? You could just make your wish from here. It's all about what's in your heart, right?"

"I'm going up," I said, feeling my hesitation disappear.

"Are you sure you're up for it? You could come back with me," she suggested, watching me closely.

I nodded. "I can handle it."

I glanced up toward the monastery at the top of the mountain. "Once I'm up there, I'll put in an extra wish on your behalf."

Lena laughed. "Thanks, but I think I'll skip out on this climb."

Usually, she'd stick with me, especially if she was worried, so I sensed something was off. "Are you feeling okay?"

She caught on right away and gave me a light smack on the arm. "What could possibly be wrong? Don't overthink it. I just don't love hiking, you know? Remember the one time I tried? I was practically crawling by the end."

Lena sighed. "I dread hiking more than anything."

I decided not to push her. "Alright, you head back. I'll go alone."

Lena looked up at the mountain. "I don't feel great about leaving you, though."

"It's fine. I'll text you the whole way, and if anything happens, you'll be the first to know," I said, holding out my hand for a fist bump.

Lena glanced up toward the peak, then pressed her hands together briefly. "The powers that be up there will keep you safe."

We bumped fists, and I set off up the mountain.

The path was rough, nearly washed away by the recent storms, but I pushed through, gritting my pressing on. Lena's words echoed in my mind. For some reason, her wish had left a deep impression on me.

teeth and

There was something stirring inside, like a flame I hadn't felt in a long time.

The road up was tough, but I made it.

At the gates of Cloudscape Monastery, I offered my wish: "May this world be free of harm, free of broken families, and may kindness fill every heart." Afterward, I went to find Abbot Levinsky. He wasn't reciting any scriptures; instead, he was quietly sweeping the hall and tending to the sanctuary lights.

at Matthew had

I noticed a row of softly glowing lamps on a cab in the prayer hall. I remembered that once lit a sanctuary lamp for me. I couldn't help but look closer.

Sure enough, there was a lamp with my name on it, and beside it were lamps for my parents.

It felt like my heart was caught in a vice.

"Since you're here, why don't you help me with the cleaning?" Abbot Levinsky handed me a cloth.

I joined him, and as we cleaned, he shared stories about each of these lamps, each representing a different life and hope.

By the time he finished, I understood the deeper meaning behind Lena's wish.

There's so much sorrow and loss in this world. If we hold on to resentment, it never ends. But if we let go, those grudges and grievances finally fade.

“Come on, it's time for the evening prayers," Abbot Levinsky said, guiding me into the main hall.

As soon as I stepped inside, I saw someone there-a figure I knew all too well.

Abbot Levinsky saw me pause, then spoke quietly, "She's been here a full day and night."