It was a wonderful surprise to wake up on October 30, 2021, and find that my submission to the Southern Christian Writers Conference (SCWC) October Challenge had won first place and would be posted on the SCWC Blog. This is a re-post of that fictional story. Enjoy.
Balloon of Fear
I sat in the car taking deep breaths. It had not been a good week. Getting ready for this party had brought a bit of anxiety. It was a relief to be down to the final errands. The balloon and the cake. Of course, the balloon had to be from the slowest store in town. The only one with an 18” unicorn balloon.
The love for my child pushing me forward, I took one final breath and counted as I exhaled. One… two… three… four…
Determined, I walked into the store and headed straight toward the balloons.
I found what I was looking for immediately. Now all I had to do was find some that would look good surrounding it. I was sorting through the colors and sizes when it hit me.
The dizziness started at the back of my head.
“Deep breath,” I thought. Then realized air was not entering my lungs.
Trying to ignore it, I reached for a balloon.
My chest ached.
“Math. Try to do math. That’s what the counselor said. It would help stop the spiral. Worth a shot. One plus one is two, two plus two is four, four plus four is… …four plus four is… How am I supposed to do math with no air in my brain?”
My hands were shaking.
I felt like I was going to faint. Blackness began to envelope me. I imagined being inside of that unicorn balloon, unable to breathe.
“Ma’am, can I help you?”
Somewhere beyond the darkness, a voice pulled me back.
“Wh…what?”
“Your balloon. Do you need it inflated?
It was the store clerk. A young girl with the kindest eyes I’d ever seen.
“Ye… yes. Thank you.”
I handed her the prized balloon and quickly grabbed several others that would suffice for the bouquet.
“These as well.”
“Sure, no problem. It will only take a couple of minutes. Looks like someone is having a party!”
I noticed my hands had stopped shaking.
“Yes. My daughter’s sixth birthday. She’s all about unicorns this year. We were so happy to see that you carried the balloons.”
“We just got them in. The company we order from sent them by mistake. Someone upstairs must be looking out for you.”
As we continued chatting, my panic subsided.
By the time the balloons were ready, I felt almost normal. I even strolled around the store and picked up a few extra items. It had been years since I was able to do that. I longed for the days I could walk around stores or sit in restaurants for leisurely meals.
At the register to check-out, I was pleased to see there was nobody in front of me.
The man behind the counter smiled, “I’m sorry you had to blow up your own balloons, I’m holding down the fort alone today.”
“Actually, this sweet young girl helped me. She had on a smock like yours and a name tag. I thought she worked here.”
“Well, no. Only my wife and I work here, the kids sometimes. They are all on a youth trip with our church.”
Pointing to the wall behind him, “See, here is a family picture.”
Looking carefully at each person, I didn’t recognize anyone.
“Well, that’s strange.”
“It’s a mystery for sure. Someone upstairs must be looking out for you.”
***
Getting in my car, I called my husband.
“Hey Babe.”
“Hey, how’s it going.”
“Good. I got the balloons. I’m headed to pick up the cake now. They have curbside pickup, easy peasy.”
“Did you make it in the store ok?”
“Well, not really. I was having a panic attack and thought I was going to faint when this girl started talking to me and pulled me out of it. That never happens.”
“Wow. What did she say?”
“Nothing really, just chatting. She blew up my balloons. Then, I come to find out she doesn’t even work there. I have no idea who she was.”
“Well, I’m glad she was there to help. Whoever she was.”
“Me too.”
***
I pulled into the bakery and called for them to bring out my order.
“I’m so sorry. We’re short-handed today and unable to do curbside. You’ll need to come in and pick it up. We’re really sorry about the inconvenience.”
I’d already paid for the cake when ordering online, so I just had to walk in and get it. No problem. I could do this.
When I saw the bakery counter, my heart fell. One register at the far end was open. One person working. Five people in line.
The dizziness started in the back of my head.
“Oh no. God, help me.”
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw someone stand from below the counter in front of me.
“Ma’am, Can I help you?”
A familiar voice.
“Ye… yes, I’m picking up a cake.”
Eyes closed. Just breathe.
The darkness was coming.
“Here’s your cake, Ma’am.”
I looked up to see the kindest eyes.
“Hello again.”
“You. You work here?”
Those eyes looking directly into mine.
“No Ma’am. Someone upstairs is looking out for you.”
Then she was standing in front of me, taking my hands in her own. Our eyes bonded.
“Fear not, Angela. God is with you. Don’t let dismay enter your heart. He is your God. He will strengthen you. He will help you. He will uphold you with His righteous right hand.”
“Isaiah.”
“Yes. Isaiah. God loves you so much Angela. Think about how much you love your child, pushing through these panic attacks to bring her happiness. Heavenly Father’s love for you is even greater.”
“Who are you?”
She smiled and vanished.
***
The woman behind the counter walked up.
“I’m so sorry for your wait Hun, I’m alone today. Are you picking up?”
“Yes, this is my cake. You know what, I think I’ll have some lunch before I go. Can I get a tuna salad sandwich and a Coke?”