Chpater SEVENTEEN

Chapter 17: The Vision

As Rafee embarked on his path to recovery, he was still being challenged by his old way of thinking. He would still be crushed by his painful past. Although his disclosure to his parents was a huge relief, he still felt troubled. He carried that small booklet with him, and would read it every time he felt discouraged or depressed. One particular phrase stuck in his mind, and he started to believe in it. He would read it over and over till he felt comfort and peace in his heart.

“For I know the plans I have for you, says the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”

One particular night, Rafee had another terrible nightmare. Thankfully he always woke up before Abdul or Mr. Khalid could abuse him in his dream. He just lay down there on his bed, in complete silence, not knowing what to do. He took out his personal organizer, and pulled out the small booklet, and started to read it. He convinced himself that God did indeed have a plan for his life, a plan to prosper, and to give him a future and a hope. He repeated this thought in his mind again and again till he dozed off.

Suddenly, Rafee felt a tapping on his shoulder. He opened his eyes just wide enough to see that it was not morning yet. Oh no, why did I have to wake up again, he thought. Again, there was a tapping on his right shoulder. Rafee became scared. Is it Abdul and Mr. Khalid? His heart began to beat fast. I am dreaming, he told himself. Rafee opened his eyes, and turned around to see who it was tapping on his shoulder.

He saw a strong, firm hand on his shoulder, holding it in a firm grip. His eyes went from the man’s hand, up his arm, shoulder and eventually to his face. Rafee’s eyes were fixed on this man standing in his room. The room had suddenly become very bright. The man was wearing an off-white robe, full-sleeved. He could clearly tell it was made of sheep-skin (a shepherd maybe?). He held a staff in his other hand. Rafee aimed to look closer at this man’s face. He had shoulder-length, dark brown hair. They were wet, as if this man had just taken a shower. Rafee could also smell a strong aroma, a strong incense of flowers emanating from this man. No matter how hard Rafee tried, he just could not see the face very clearly. Then, he heard something.

“Don’t be afraid,” the man said. His voice was gentle yet firm. He spoke with a sense of authoritativeness. Rafee heard those words very clearly.

Rafee quickly shook his head, and the man disappeared. Rafee could still feel the sensation of the man’s touch on his right shoulder. He could still smell the sweet aroma. He jumped out of bed. There was no one in his room. He sat back on his bed, and wondered who the man was. He picked up the book next to him, and read the passage again, ““For I know the plans I have for you, says the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”

For the first time in his life, Rafee was able to sleep for the longest of time, peacefully.