The Zella Chronicles

“Are you ready?”

"Ready," Zella replied, looking up to Jesus. "What is this mission?"

"This is going to be a bit different."

A quizzical look on her face, Zella asked, "Different how?"

"Well, this is going to take a while. So far the missions you have helped me with were pretty short. But, Gigi has a struggle with his temper, and there is no quick fix for that. It's going to take time."

"Then let's get started," Zella jumped up and took His hand. She was now taller than His shoulder. A smile spread across her face, “I'm ready.”

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Soon they were watching a church service in a tiny storefront building. A pretty woman with her hair piled up on her head, sat in the front and played an accordion. An older man played the guitar, while a young woman shook a tambourine, her long hair flowing down her back. Front and center, behind the podium, a tall thin man led songs for the congregation while his wife, Madlyn, sat near the front with their two children, a baby and a toddler.

Near the back, Zella recognized Elly and Gabe Pajaro with little Gigi, now three and a half years old. The young boy was putting his ear to his momma’s rounded tummy to listen for his little brother. He was sure it was going to be a boy. As Zella watched, a typical scene unfolded.

Tilly noticed that her mother was busy with her little sister, so she slipped to the floor and looked under the folding chairs. She could see Gigi’s feet four rows back. In the blink of an eye Tilly had crawled under the chairs and pulled on Gigi’s pant leg, encouraging him to join her on the floor. Unfortunately, she accidently pinched his leg and made him howl. Instantly, Gigi whipped around and began to pummel Tilly. This unfortunate greeting produced screams from her as well. Their parents scooped them up and exited to the bathrooms.

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With Jesus at her side, Zella saw the fluttering of pages as time passed. A few years later, they are observing Gigi on the playground at school.

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The shortest in his class, he is now in the fourth grade and waiting for his turn at tetherball. As a sore loser left the circle, he brushed past Gigi, pushing him out of his way. Instantly, Gigi was ready to fight. With his arms swinging, he went after the offender. Soon a teacher’s whistle blew and the boys were taken to the principal’s office. The black eye and bloody nose did nothing to assuage Gigi’s anger.