Getting Back Up

"August? August, wake up!" Someone said shaking my shoulder.
I shot up in bed, panting and sweating, shaking all over. I could feel my tears running down my face as I turned to face the person who saved me from my dream.

"Was it about him?" Jenna whispered. I took a deep breath and nodded. She wrapped me in her arms and gave me a comforting hug. By the time she let go I was almost asleep again. "Sweet dreams, August"


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I woke up to the smell of pancakes the next morning, so I crawled out bed and changed into a pair of shorts and a tank top. I pulled my long red hair up out of my face. Walking down the hallway, I headed down the stairs and into the kitchen.

"Good morning, August!" Tanya said as she led me over to a seat at the table. "How'd you sleep?"

"Not so good. I had another nightmare." I said quietly, "It felt so real, like it was happening all over again."

She gave me a tight squeeze, telling me that everything would be okay ."How many pancakes do you want?"

I thought for a moment, "Only one. Could you put peanut butter on it?" Pancakes with peanut butter are to die for! They are simply delightful I thought, chuckling at my poshness. Yes, yes I did come out with a new word. Aren't you proud? After a moment Tanya finally set the plate down in front of me. It smelled like Heaven on a plate, if that's even possible.

By the time I was done eating it sounded like everyone was up and walking around. A little hand grabbed mine and pulled me out of my seat. "Where are we going?" I laughed.

"Your going to sing to us in the music room this morning, Gussy!" Avery said cheerfully, pulling harder and making me trip over my feet.

"And how do you suppose I do that, mister?" I smiled playfully.

"You have two eyes and two hands, use them!" He said gleefully. Pain stabbed my heart. If only he knew how wrong he was. Avery finally stopped pulling me and told me to take a seat. I waved my head around, hoping I would be able to see where the seat was so Avery wouldn't find out. Before I panicked, someone came to my rescue and pushed me down in my seat. I silently whispered a thank-you. My guitar was placed into my hands.

"What song do you want me to play?" I asked. It was quiet for moment before one of the kids said, "That one you were humming yesterday!" I smiled, nodding my head.

"Okay," was my answer before I started playing softly

Amazing grace, how sweet the sound, the saved a wretch like me? I once wa lost, but now am found, was blind, but now I see


I sang, my voice getting stronger after every word.

My chains are gone! I've been set free! My God, my Savior, has ransomed me! And like a flood, his mercy reigns, unending love, Amazing Grace.

I played the last chord and everyone started clapping. I listened for a moment. One clap was louder and deeper then the rest of them. I wonder who else is here?

"Will you play us one more, Gussy?" One of the kids asked, whispering in my ear.

"Why not?" I replied shrugging, "What song do you want me to play?"

"Why don't you play WMYB??" Jenna suggested.

Notes