A Child's Heart, page 4

“That’s funny.” Justace said to himself later that morning. “I was sure I had more money than this.” He got down on his hands and knees and looked under his cot. “Not there either…” He mumbled. He got back up and looked at Rylen. “Have you seen…” But Rylen bolted out the door before he could finish. Justace stood there looking stunned for a few seconds before taking off after her. After searching the whole town for nearly an hour, he spotted her running in his direction and quickly ducked behind a building to watch her. She entered a small alley way with a dead end and stood panting, trying to catch her breath. Justace stepped out from behind the building and stood motionlessly in the entrance. Rylen jumped back in fright. “All right, you caught me!” She said holding up her hands. “I admit it, I took yer cash. I was gonna buy me a bus ticket outta here. I’m sorry.” She slowly put her hands down. “I s’pose yer gonna turn me over to the cops now, huh?” Justace looked shocked. “You took my money?” Rylen looked puzzled “You didn’t know? Ain’t that why you came runnin’ after me?” She asked. Justace shook his head. “But you asked me if I knew where yer money was…” Justace cocked his head to the side and frowned “Hmm?” He said. “Oh, that! No, I was asking if you knew where Wendol was. And anyway, of course I’m not going to have you arrested!” Rylen looked up at his surprisingly kind face. “I forgive you.” He said gently. Rylen eyed him suspiciously. “What is it with you people? Why are y’all so nice and fergiving?” “Because Jesus forgave me.” He replied simply. “It’s my duty to forgive others as I’ve been forgiven.” “Huh? I don’t understand.” Rylen told him. Justace sat down on the pavement and asked Rylen to sit beside him. “It’s just like when Wendol’s mother took the bullet for him. Jesus chose to suffer and die on the cross in our place to pay for our sins. And even after all we’ve done to Him, He asked His Father in heaven to forgive us.” Rylen looked sad. “Do you mean He died for me?” “Yes.” Justace answered smiling. “And He’s offering the gift of Salvation to anyone who repents of their sins and believes on Him. Thank God we don’t have to die and burn in hell forever.” Rylen looked at Justace with tears in her eyes. “Tell me more.” She said.