The Story Behind the Poem

chapter 3

Chapter 3 – A Small Conversation

A few weeks passed, and little by little, I started feeling comfortable with everyone in the church. The people who once felt like strangers slowly became familiar faces. I was still quiet most of the time, but I no longer felt as nervous as I did during my first visit. Every Sunday, Monday Bible study, and Wednesday prayer meeting became something I looked forward to.

One Wednesday afternoon, we had another prayer meeting.

Before leaving the house, I thought about sending Trixie a message. We had already added each other on f*******:, but we had never really talked. I wanted to see if she was difficult to become friends with or if she was simply shy like me.

After staring at my phone for a few minutes, I finally gathered enough courage to send her a message.

**Me:** "Hello. Have you already arrived at the church?"

A few moments later, she replied.

**Trixie:** "Yes. Come here. They're about to start the prayer meeting."

Seeing her reply made me smile. At least she answered.

**Me:** "Okay. I'll be there in a minute. Thank you."

Then she sent one more message.

**Trixie:** "We're waiting."

Those two words somehow made me feel less nervous. Knowing that someone was waiting for me gave me the confidence to go.

I immediately left the house and walked toward the church.

The whole time, I kept thinking about our short conversation.

*"Maybe she's actually easy to talk to,"* I thought.

A few minutes later, I arrived at the church.

I looked around, expecting to see everyone outside.

But...

There was no one.

I checked the entrance.

No one.

I looked around the parking area.

Still no one.

I even wondered if I had gone to the wrong place.

Since I couldn't find them, I decided to go inside the church and sit in the front row. Sister Lexy always encouraged me to sit near the stage so I could focus better during the service, so that's where I went.

While waiting, I quietly looked around the empty room.

After a few minutes, I suddenly heard voices outside.

The church door opened, and everyone walked in together.

Among them was Trixie.

The moment she saw me, she smiled.

As they came closer, I crossed my arms and pretended to be upset.

"You told me you were already at the church," I said with a playful pout.

Trixie laughed softly.

"We were," she replied. "But everyone wanted to stop by 7-Eleven first to buy something to eat."

"Oh..." I said.

Then I jokingly pointed at her.

"You're a liar."

I said it in a teasing voice, making sure she knew I wasn't serious.

Instead of defending herself, she simply smiled.

"I'm sorry," she said, trying not to laugh.

Then she reached into the plastic bag she was carrying.

"Here."

She handed me a snack.

I looked at her in surprise.

"This is for me?"

She nodded.

"We bought extra."

I accepted it with a smile.

"Thank you."

"It's okay."

It was such a small gesture, but for some reason, it made me happy.

That was probably the first real conversation we ever had.

It wasn't long.

It wasn't anything special.

But somehow, it made me feel that maybe becoming friends with Trixie wouldn't be so difficult after all.

As the prayer meeting began, everyone settled into their seats.

We sang worship songs together before listening to the message. The atmosphere inside the church was peaceful. Everyone prayed sincerely, and I found myself feeling calm as I listened.

Sometimes I looked around the room.

My eyes would accidentally land on Trixie.

She was quietly listening, just as she always did.

She wasn't the type of person who talked a lot. She simply listened carefully and smiled whenever someone spoke to her.

I couldn't help but admire how gentle and peaceful she seemed.

After the message, we all joined together in prayer. As everyone bowed their heads, the church became completely silent except for the soft voices of people praying.

The prayer meeting lasted for several hours.

Before I knew it, it was already evening.

When everything was finished, everyone started talking while preparing to go home.

Some of the older church members kindly offered to take us home.

"It's already getting late," one of them said. "We'll drive you home."

Out of respect and gratitude, we accepted their offer.

As we walked outside, everyone continued chatting and laughing.

I stayed quiet as usual, but this time it didn't feel lonely.

I felt like I truly belonged.

While riding home, I looked out the window at the passing streetlights.

I smiled to myself.

Just a few weeks ago, I was sitting alone in a park, not knowing anyone.

Now, I had people who greeted me with smiles, invited me to church, waited for me before meetings, shared food with me, and made me feel welcome.

Among all of them, there was one person I was slowly becoming curious about.

The quiet girl named Trixie.

At that time, I still saw her as just another church friend.

I had no idea that our simple conversations, shared smiles, and small acts of kindness were quietly becoming the beginning of a story that would one day change my heart.