Everything in life happens for the first time at some pointyour first teacher, your first love, your first date, your first kiss. But Evelyn would always remember her first prayer. That feeling stayed with her all her life, a sacred love for her grandmother Edith and her first words to God.
Now retired, Evelyn lived alone. Her daughter had long since married and lived with her own family in the nearby city of York. Evelyn had spent her whole life in the quiet village of Wellingford, where shed married and, eight years ago, buried her husband. Sometimes she went to church to light a candle and pray for those she held dear.
As she prepared for church that morning, Evelyn suddenly remembered her childhood and that first prayer. She had no memory of her parentstheyd died when their carriage overturned on the road back from market. Her grandmother Edith had raised her since she was three.
That autumn, when the leaves had turned gold and a fine rain fell, Evelyn fell ill.
You mustve caught a chill, her grandmother said. Ive told you to wear your bonnet when the winds sharp. Now look at you.
Edith didnt take her to the doctor, treating her instead with what she knew. The first night, Evelyn tossed with fever, slipping in and out of restless dreams. She was eight years old.
In the morning, Edith pressed a hand to her forehead. Thank the Lord, the fevers gone. What do you fancy, love?
Tea, Evelyn murmured, licking dry lips before closing her eyes again.
Right you are, my dear. Ill mash some elderberries, stir in honeybest thing for what ails you.
Evelyn knew this remedy well. When the drink was gone, she scraped the bittersweet pulp from the bottom of the cup. Edith sat beside her, knitting socks, humming old hymns, or telling stories of days gone by. At night, she prayed by the small oil lamp that flickered before the icons in the corner, asking God to heal her granddaughter.
One evening, as Evelyn watched her grandmother kneel in prayer, a thought struck her like boiling water.
*What if Grandmother dies? What if Im left alone?*
Shed never considered it before. Now, the fear gripped her. She pictured Edith in a coffin, just as shed seen old Mrs. Clark from next door laid out the previous autumn. She and the womans grandson, Tommy, had been schoolmates. We must pay our respects, Edith had said.
Tears pricked Evelyns eyes.
Whats troubling you, love? Edith stroked her hair.
Grandmother will you die?
Edith hesitated. One day, yes. We all do, my dear. Thats the way of things.
Not soon?
Only God knows that.
But *why* must people die?
Thats not for us to question. Live rightly, follow the Lords commandments, and when your time comes, youll go peacefully.
So God decides?
Aye, He does.
Could He let someone live a very long time?
He could. He can do all things, Edith said, crossing herself before leaving the room.
A thought took root in Evelyns mind.
*I wonder what Grandmother prays for. Does she ask God for long life? She must. Then I should pray for her tooask that she lives forever. She says childrens prayers are heard quickest. But how?*
She decided to pray when Edith was awayperhaps at market or visiting a neighbour. The chance came the next day when Edith left for church.
I shant be long, Edith said. Shall I fetch Tommy to keep you company?
No, Ill be fine. Hell come by later.
Edith nodded. Im off to pray, then.
From the window, Evelyn watched her grandmother turn onto the lane leading to the church. She drew the curtains, ensuring no one saw her clumsy attempt at prayer.
Several icons stood on the shelfshe knew Saint Nicholas and the Virgin Mary best. The house was silent as she faced them.
*I dont know any prayers,* she fretted. The painted faces watched her, making her uneasy. *But if I just ask plainly, surely God will understand. Maybe I should ask Grandmother to teach me.*
She fixed her gaze on Saint Nicholas.
Please let my grandmother Edith never die. She paused. Nolet her live a long, long time. Her legs ache, her heart pains herwhat if she goes soon? Shes old, and Id be alone. Give her strength. I love her so. Shes always praying for othersshes at church now. Please help.
The words tumbled out, her heart tight with pleading. When she finished, she crawled back into bed, waiting for Ediths return.
The door creaked open. Hows my girl? Edith handed her a bar of chocolate.
Fine. Grandmother how do you pray to Saint Nicholas?
Same as to any saint. Why dyou ask?
Is there a special prayer?
A few. Ill teach you one tonight.
Edith left to stoke the hearth, thoughtful. *Strange, her asking about prayers. But no harm in itbest she learns.*
That evening, as Edith knelt by the icons, Evelyn mimicked her whispers. Afterward, Edith sat on the bed.
Grandmother if I ask Saint Nicholas for something, does he tell God?
Edith smiled, smoothing her hair. In a manner of speaking. He intercedes for us.
Evelyn fell asleep at once, dreaming of a tall, silver-haired man with a long beard, a cross upon his chest, and an open book in hand. He smiled at her kindly.
She woke refreshed, certain her prayer had been heard.
Edith bustled in. How do you feel? She pressed a palm to Evelyns forehead. No fever. Best check all the same.
Im well, truly. I want to go back to school.
Edith chuckled. Tommy asked after you. Hell stop by later.
Edith lived to be eighty-eight. By then, Evelyn had married, borne a daughter, and cared for her grandmother tenderly until the end.
Now, though she seldom went to church, Evelyn went that dayfor it was Ediths birthday, and she meant to remember her. That love had never faded.
