Caryn finished fixing dinner and told John that it was ready. As they ate, John said, "This is really good, Caryn." She said, "Thank you. My grandmother taught me how to cook." He said, "My grandmother taught me how to cook, too." Caryn smiled and said, "That's something cool that we have in common." After they finished eating, John helped Caryn wash the dishes. She said, "You didn't have to do that, John." He said, "I don't mind it. I've had to wash dishes most of my life anyway." She said, "Well, I appreciate your help." After that, she asked, "Are you ready to go in the pool?" He said, "We just ate. Aren't you supposed to wait an hour?" She laughed and said, "Turns out, that's a myth. You're no more likely to drown or get cramps if you go swimming after you eat." John smiled a little at this, but it didn't make him feel much better. He knew he had to tell Caryn the truth. If he pretended everything was all right, it would create a dishonest relationship. As the two of them headed to the pool, John said, "Caryn, I have something to tell you." She asked, "What is it, John?" He said, "I, um, I'm afraid of water." She asked, "Why didn't you tell me?" He said, "I was afraid that you would be ashamed of me." She hugged him and said, "John, I love you. I could never be ashamed of you, ever." He said, "Well, that's a relief." She said, "I could help you overcome your fear. Don't worry; I won't let you drown." He said, "Okay." He took a step closer. He then slipped and fell into the pool. John began to panic under the water. Which way was up? Just then, he felt someone pulled him to the surface. He coughed up some water, and he looked to see who helped him. It was Caryn. She was still holding on to him. She asked, "Are you okay?" He said, "I think so." She said, "No wonder you're scared of water. Has this happened to you a lot?" He said, "More than I care to admit, but that's not why I'm afraid of water." She asked, "What happened to make you so afraid?" He said, "When Pastor Thomas attempted to murder me for the second and final time, he shot me, and it caused me to fall into a river. I went under, and I couldn't see anything. Luckily, Peter jumped in to save me. I didn't come close to drowning, but it was close enough for me. As for the gunshot wound, the bullet didn't go in very deep. It only penetrated the skin." Caryn cried as she listened to the story. She said, "I'm so sorry this happened to you, but Pastor Thomas isn't here to hurt you now. On top of that, this water is shallow and calm. You don't have to swim. Just stand up." This made John feel confident. He stood next to Caryn and said, "Thanks, Caryn. I'm glad I told you about my fear." She said, "You're welcome. I'm glad about that, too."
September 8, 2011
I am feeling much better today. I don't feel great, but I feel much better than I did a few days ago. I was able to go to school today. Michael, Sabrina, and Bridget helped me get caught up in my classes. I'm lucky to have such good friends. Of course, I did feel a bit tired after finishing my homework. I took a nap for a while. When I woke up, it was almost 6:00 pm. I didn't realize I had slept that long. When dinner time came, I ate really well. I didn't feel like eating much for the past couple of days. My appetite has returned. I think I will go to bed early tonight. I'm feeling pretty tired right now. I'm not completely better, but I'm close to it.
I am feeling much better today. I don't feel great, but I feel much better than I did a few days ago. I was able to go to school today. Michael, Sabrina, and Bridget helped me get caught up in my classes. I'm lucky to have such good friends. Of course, I did feel a bit tired after finishing my homework. I took a nap for a while. When I woke up, it was almost 6:00 pm. I didn't realize I had slept that long. When dinner time came, I ate really well. I didn't feel like eating much for the past couple of days. My appetite has returned. I think I will go to bed early tonight. I'm feeling pretty tired right now. I'm not completely better, but I'm close to it.
June 11, 2011
Summer Vacation has been great so far. While I've been enjoying school more since I've gained a couple of friends, it's nice to have a break from it. I also received some exciting news. On July 9, I am going to be in Chicago to see The Devil Wants Peace in concert! I was so excited when my uncle told me he was able to afford the tickets. I later told my friend, Michael, "You should have seen me when my uncle told me the good news. I was jumping up and down, crying tears of joy." Normally, I'm not that excitable, but The Devil Wants Peace is one of my favorite bands. Since I was six, I dreamed of seeing them live, and now, I can stop dreaming. This dream is becoming a reality. I don't know if I'll be lucky enough to meet them, but the fact that I'm lucky enough to see them is great.
Summer Vacation has been great so far. While I've been enjoying school more since I've gained a couple of friends, it's nice to have a break from it. I also received some exciting news. On July 9, I am going to be in Chicago to see The Devil Wants Peace in concert! I was so excited when my uncle told me he was able to afford the tickets. I later told my friend, Michael, "You should have seen me when my uncle told me the good news. I was jumping up and down, crying tears of joy." Normally, I'm not that excitable, but The Devil Wants Peace is one of my favorite bands. Since I was six, I dreamed of seeing them live, and now, I can stop dreaming. This dream is becoming a reality. I don't know if I'll be lucky enough to meet them, but the fact that I'm lucky enough to see them is great.