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should be awake,” Marcus said.
    The three men left the hospital together, each equally concerned about their loved one on the fifth floor.
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    Upstairs in Monet’s room, Liz continued to sit vigil in a chair next to her bed, reading the Daily Word pamphlet. She read the entry for the day and the scripture accompanying the message in her Bible, which she always kept in her oversized tote bag. Liz looked up when she heard Monet stirring.
    â€œHey sister, how are you feeling?” Liz asked.
    Monet’s eyes filled with tears. “I hurt all over, and I know I look like I was hit by a truck. Liz, I’ve never been more afraid in my life.”
    Liz quickly stood up and sat on the bed. “Will it hurt if I give you a hug?” she asked Monet, patting her arm.
    â€œProbably. Just be gentle,” Monet murmured as Liz changed her mind and patted Monet’s hand.
    â€œGo ahead and cry and get it out of your system. Monet, do you realize how blessed you are?” Liz asked.
    â€œI don’t know what you mean?” Monet’s eyes widened and she looked at Liz like her friend was crazy. “I was beaten up and sexually assaulted. How could you consider that as being blessed?” She leaned back in the bed.
    â€œBecause you weren’t killed, nor were any of your bones broken. All your injuries are temporary ones that will heal. I know what happened was horrendous, and it proves how many sick people are out there roaming the streets. But God had your back, Monet. And for that you have to be grateful.”
    â€œI am,” Monet said in a teeny voice. “I really am. Before I blacked out, I remember reciting the Twenty-Third Psalm, and I prayed the Lord would see me through the attack. But every time I close my eyes, I see and feel him on me. I feel so dirty.”
    Liz rubbed Monet’s arm. “Trust me, it wasn’t your fault. Don’t try to put that guilt on yourself.”
    â€œI know Marcus must hate me. If only I had let Dave walk me to my car, none of this would have happened. And Marcus called and asked me if I wanted a ride home, and I turned him down.” Tears trickled down Monet’s face.
    â€œMarcus doesn’t hate you, so get that thought out of your mind. Everything happens for a reason. We don’t understand why sometimes, and we may never, but I know this incident could be a test of your faith. Monet, when you think about the positives, they far outweigh the negatives. You may need counseling with Reverend Wilcox to get past the trauma. But trust me when I say you’re lucky, no, not lucky, it’s God’s will that you’re still here and that I’m in this room talking to you.”
    â€œI guess so.” Monet’s voice trailed off. She turned away from Liz.
    â€œI have something I want to read to you, and I want you to listen to the words. Will you promise me that?” Liz looked over at Monet and could see her head bobbing up and down.
    Liz opened her Bible to Hebrews 13:5 and 6 and read, “ Let your conversation be without covetousness and be content with such things as ye have; for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, the Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what any man shall do unto me. Do you know right now, lying in that bed, that you are a witness to that scripture? We know the Lord didn’t forsake you, you are so blessed, and I want you to repeat with me, ‘I will not fear what any man shall do unto me.’”
    Monet turned over in the bed, cautiously favoring her sore arm. Then she said the words with Liz.
    Liz sat back on the bed, and asked, “Can I pray for you?”
    Monet nodded, and Liz took her hand. The women closed their eyes and bowed their heads as Liz proceeded to pray. “Gracious Father, my savior and redeemer. I give thanks today that you spared my sister’s life last night, and as you promised, you