Seeking Abigail
Scene One
Acts 9:36
Now in Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (which translated in Greek is called Dorcas); this woman was abounding with deeds of kindness and charity which she continually did.
Chloe scanned the town square.
Abigail shifted the load in her arms. “Can you see Tabitha?”
“No.” Chloe stood on tiptoe. “Are you sure she is well enough to come?”
“She told me to meet her here.” Abigail also stood on her tiptoes, hoping to get a better view of the square. “I brought the cloth she asked for.”
A boy darting through baskets and carts tripped over a wayward chicken, knocking Abigail and her load to the rain-drenched ground.
“Now look what you have done.” The fallen woman scowled at the boy, then at the retreating chick and then back at the boy. “Tabitha will never be able to use this cloth now.”
Chloe reached out a helping hand and pulled her friend to her feet. “Seth.” She turned her attention to the boy. “You know better than to run through the square.” Chloe pulled him up too.
Seth kept his head down. “Yes, but…”
“No buts. Look what you have done.” Chloe swept her arms over the scene. “What do you have to say for yourself?”
“I am sorry.” The boy shuffled his dusty feet. “But I must deliver a message.”
Abigail knelt down and examined the ruined cloth more closely. “What possible message is worth this?” She held up a muddy, frayed piece of what was once a beautiful amber cloth. “Father is going to be furious.”
“It is alright Abigail.” Chloe helped retrieve the ruined pieces. “Seth will return with you and explain to your father what happened.”
The boy cleared his throat. “I will be glad to explain my clumsiness, but first I must find Samuel and Jacob.” He turned to leave.
“Oh no you do not young man.” Chloe grabbed the boy. “You must go with Abigail now.”
The younger woman stuffed smaller pieces of cloth onto one larger one, pulled the four corners up, and tied a knot. “I am not facing my father alone.”
“You will have to.” A deep voice broke through the swelling crowd. “Seth, continue on your errand.” A strong hand gently pulled the boy from Chloe’s grasp.
She looked up. “Judah?” Chloe’s eyes narrowed. “This must be made right.”
“And it will.” Judah shooed the boy off.
Seth darted quickly back into the throng of shoppers.
Abigail teetered to a standing position, knocking the bundle over. Its contents spilled out.
“Curse the gods!” She glared at the older cousin facing her. “Look what you made me do.”
Judah stepped between her and the bundle.
“What are you doing, Judah?” She tried to push him aside. “The longer they stay in the mud the harder it will be to restore them.”
“It does not matter.” Judah held his ground.
“Of course it matters.” Chloe tried to intercede. “Tabitha needs new cloth.”
“No she does not.” Judah blocked Chloe’s path to the bundle as well.
“Yes she does.” Abigail stood with hands on hips. “She told me that she was nearly out of material with more and more orders coming in. That is why Father sent me…”
“Stop, Abigail!” Judah grabbed his cousin’s hand when she reached again for the bundle. He pulled her back to face him. “She does not need any more cloth.” He looked directly into her eyes.
“You stop.” She began to cry.
Chloe stepped alongside her young friend. “What is it Judah? What has happened?” Something in Judah’s face frightened her.
Judah cleared his throat and released his cousin. “Tabitha is dead.” He wiped at a tear. “Seth was sent by the family to find Samuel and Jacob. We have word Peter the Apostle is nearby in Lydda. Perhaps he will come and…”
“And what?” Abigail took a step back. “Raise her from the dead?” The shrill in her voice betrayed her sarcasm. She used her tunic to wipe any remaining tears.
“If Jehovah wills it.” Chloe reached out her hand.
Abigail stepped out of reach and scooted around her cousin.
“Remember the reports we heard from Jerusalem.” Judah softened his voice. “The blind see and spirits are cast out.”
“Will these delusions help me explain all this to my father?” She grabbed her cloth bundle and hurried off.
Chloe watched her new friend struggle through the crowded market. She knew the greed of the girl’s father and the skepticism that permeated their entire household. How could she share her new-found faith when her own heart was breaking over the death of her dearest friend?
One Another Living 