Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, having heard that Peter was there, sent two men to him, imploring him, “Do not delay in coming to us. Acts 9:38
Chloe hesitated before taking the few steps around the corner. She had not seen Abigail since their collision with Seth, and she was not sure how her unannounced visit would be received. She hoped her order for new cloth would ease any tension. A quick prayer on this matter was all she had time for as the crowd pushed her forward.
“Jesus, I do not really understand how all this works.” Chloe’s lips moved but no sound came out of her mouth. “But please help me help my friend.”
The crowd pressed in all around and Chloe wondered how she would successfully navigate through the web of arms and legs to get to Abigail’s stall. But then a hand cradled her elbow, causing her to jump, and she nearly dropped the fresh new figs which were her barter for the new cloth.
She glanced up and sideways at a grinning Judah who easily moved them both through the crowd. He stopped at a small open space between a potter and a weaver just a few stalls away from where Abigail sold cloth.
He said nothing but simply helped her juggle a few wayward figs back into her basket. When she was satisfied her fresh cargo was secure, she glanced up into his worn face.
“You look tired, Judah.”
“Is it that obvious?”
She nodded. “You must find time to rest. You cannot carry the burden of the Way alone.”
“Is that advice you keep or just give away?” He snatched a fig and popped it in his mouth. Chloe’s slap just missed. “You have…not…been home…” He gulped. “…since yesterday.”
Chloe looked away and dabbed at a tear with her free hand. “There is much to do.”
“I know.” Judah cleared his throat awkwardly. “But we must have faith.”
“Will Peter come?” She continued to stare blankly between the two stalls. “And what if he does? Can he really bring her back to us?” The whir of the potter’s wheel and the low whistle of the spindle jumbled together just like her mind.
“If God wills.”
Chloe turned back to face him and sighed. “This is all so different…wonderful and strange all at once.”
“Yes it is. Every day brings new and wonderful changes, even in sadness.” Judah snatched another fig and popped it in his mouth. “Where…are…you…taking these?”
“To Abigail.” She covered the basket with her apron. “If there will be any left!
“Are you sure you want to face her? She was still seething last night even though my uncle was not that distressed about the cloth.”
“You know this?”
“Why…yes.” Judah moved them back into the crowd. “I went to their home last night with Seth to explain what happened.”
“What?”
Chloe desperately wanted to know more, but the noise of the crowd made that impossible. Besides, before she knew it Judah had them standing in front of Abigail’s stand. He waved vigorously above the small crowd gathered ahead of them. A loud “Not now Judah! I am busy!” was shouted back to their position.
Judah bent down to Chloe’s ear level. “I think you should come back.”
She shook her head. “No. I will wait.”
“That one is stubborn.” He nodded in the direction of Abigail.
Chloe stood firm cradling her figs. “And so is this one.”
“I will send word to you as soon as Peter arrives.” He turned to leave.
“Peter is coming?” Chloe pulled him back hard toward her, almost dropping the whole basket of figs. “Why did you not tell me this sooner?”
“I just found out myself when I saw you.” Judah’s eyes were lit with excitement. “That’s what I came to tell you.” He stood tall and looked up into the sky, clapping his hands.
A “Judah get out of here! I do not have time for you now” was barked over the heads of the bartering women ahead of them.
Chloe pulled him down to her eye level. “Well, you did not have to take all day!”
Judah patted her head. “You exaggerate old woman.” He grabbed a handful of figs and darted back into the crowd.
“Judah!” Chloe hollered after him. Chloe stared at her depleting supply of new figs and then back out into the crowd. A lone tear made its way down her face.
She absently twirled the figs in the basket and took a step forward. “He is coming here.” She popped one in her mouth. “Can…it be? Will Tabitha…walk among…us again?” She took two more steps. “The great Apostle is coming here.” She laughed out loud.
“Who is coming here?”
Chloe stared up into the questioning eyes of her young friend. She handed the bewildered Abigail a fig.
One Another Living 