Helen’s Heart

By: Helen J. Lake

*Television clicks on. A well-dressed woman looks straight at the camera, smiling slightly.*

N: Welcome to HJNews at 11. I’m Nosey Newscaster. We have breaking news on the site of mysterious Helen’s Heart. Our own Roving Reporter has the story live on the scene. Roving?

R: (wearing a dark suit, touches his ear and looks into the camera) Thank you, Nosey. What you see behind me was once a proud construct, built to hold family, friends and many others within its doors. Let’s take a look at what stands before us today.

*Camera pans to show large building. Half of it is pristine and half is a crumbling, smoldering mess*

While much of Helen’s Heart has endured some battering over the years, her foundations remain strong. One entire wing looks as shiny and new as the day she opened. In this section, her family and friends dwell in relative comfort.

*Camera pans across building, showing the good area before sweeping to the side to zoom in on the bad side*

But the newer wing, known simply as Romance, has suddenly begun to crumble. This structure’s doors were only recently opened to rave reviews, and yet less than one week later, it endured a devastating blow. Some fear it may collapse or perhaps close its doors forever. Some others believe it was sabotaged from within, possibly by a tenant. It is believed that he moved out to return to a previous location, damaging Helen’s Heart in his haste.

Not everyone shares these views of disaster, however. Meet Mr. Almighty, the foreman and architect behind Helen’s Heart. Mr. Almighty, thanks for joining us.

G: Please, call me God. (Benevolent smile)

R: Thank you. God, what would you say to those who believe your own blueprints were to blame for the current condition of Helen’s Heart?

G: (still smiling) I would remind them that I have built places far more complicated and they still stand today. That Helen’s Heart is currently in need of reinforcing does not detract from the beauty of this structure. Where else can you find something so soft and yet strong, that can be bruised and yet hard and stubborn?

R: Indeed, marvelously built. But is it fair to say this current circumstance was unplanned for, and may lead to the ruin of Romance in Helen’s Heart?

G: Everything is planned for; everything is arranged from blueprints I created eons ago. Just because you cannot see the inexhaustible elegance and the ongoing strength does not mean it is not there. Notice that, even in the Romance area, the foundation is unchanged. No one would be able to find even the smallest crack or chip in it.

R: (shaken and slightly nervous) But, God, how is that possible? The blow to Romance was swift and terribly destructive.

G: This foundation was built carefully by my long-term associate, Faith. Faith is indestructible when created from the ground up, as it was in this case. As for the terrible ruin left behind, I have many in my crew who are repairing the damages. (gestures towards the ruins) Even now, two sisters who have lived in Helen’s Heart for many years, are inside bracing walls and turrets. They are armed with Love and Kindness—and, as you know, the very essence of Love is what holds Helen’s Heart together.

R: (properly impressed) Amazing.

G: Others will aid in the renovation and reclamation of this place, whether they are aware of it or not. Slowly and never-ceasing, they will rebuild what damage was done. Someday, the doors to Helen’s Heart will open once more.

R: What do you have to say to the One who caused such a vivid show of destruction?

G: (face darkens and thunder rumbles) He should be aware that I also run Security here. I’m guarding Helen’s Heart very carefully as she mends. No matter what, I’m watching. I am everywhere and I see all. (sky clears and the smile returns) But, he must also know that he is already forgiven. For I know he was doing what he believed to be right.

R: (turns back to camera) There you have it, Nosey. Helen’s Heart has been attacked but it is not shut down for good. God guarantees it.

N: (bows head) Amen. (pause, looks up with bright smile) Up next, how do you move on after a heartache? We speak to a local expert, a Mr. (glances down, surprised) Mr. God Almighty!

*Television clicks off*