Chapter 17: The First Prayer

Jason sat at the lunch table, absently stirring his food. Across from him, Noah bowed his head and whispered a quiet prayer before eating. Jason had seen him do it plenty of times, but today, it felt different.

He watched as Noah's expression softened, like he was talking to someone real. Not just reciting empty words. Does it actually do anything? Jason wondered. Does God even hear him?

That night, Jason lay in bed, staring at the ceiling. His mind was restless, filled with all the conversations he'd had with Noah, the verses they had read together. He wanted proof, something undeniable. But instead, all he had were more questions.

He sighed, rolling onto his side. "This is stupid," he muttered to himself.

But still, his heart pounded as he whispered, "God… if You're really there… show me."

Silence.

Jason exhaled sharply, almost laughing at himself. Of course, nothing happened. No booming voice, no bright light. Just the hum of his fan and the distant sounds of the city outside.

But… something was different.

A warmth settled in his chest—subtle, almost like a gentle presence wrapping around him. It wasn't loud or obvious, but for the first time, he didn't feel so alone. Was this just in his head? Or was it… something more?

The next day, as they walked to class, Jason nudged Noah's shoulder. "Hey, uh… I don't know if I did it right, but… I prayed."

Noah's eyes widened in surprise, then softened into a smile. "That's a step forward."

Jason scoffed, shoving his hands in his pockets. "Don't get all excited. I still have questions."

"Good. God's not afraid of them," Noah said. "He's just glad you're asking."

Jason didn't respond right away, but for the first time, he felt like maybe—just maybe—he wasn't searching alone.