I know he's here somewhere. ... if only I could see him... "Come," the Father had said, "It might do you good to get out of the house. Let's go for a walk in the woods." And so we did, since what the Father wants, the Father gets. If he says we do things a certain way, we do it that way, lest we want to risk his wrath and punishment. Everything from what we eat to how we dress... he makes sure it's done his way. Or else. So we went into the woods. I get nervous around new places like this; he knows it. With nothing I can use for bearings, I have to depend on the Father to lead me where I need to go. "Leave your stick. Just give me your hand," he said. "I'll guide you through." At first, it was nice: I could feel the warm sunshine and hear the birds as our feet shuffled through the underbrush. We talked about things: why it was so important we do things his way, mostly. But other things as well — he wanted to assure me that my blindness didnt come as any sort of punishment. I just was as I had been created, that there was a reason for everything... even this. He also assured me that he loved us all, despite our physical failings: me, the deaf girl down the hall, the mute that had the room next to mine... he did indeed love every single one of us and only wanted what was best. The day was getting hot, and the sun was merciless, so he led me deeper into the woods. Under the trees it was cooler, but it was also harder to walk. There were rocks and roots everywhere, but he was careful to guide me around them. And there were sounds... quiet, unrecognizable, just on the edge of hearing. "Dont listen to them," the Father said. "Just stay focused on me. You'll be fine." Then — I dont know — suddenly he let go of my hand, and a moment later I heard a slight, soft crash! somewhere behind me. Then nothing. I didnt know what to do, so I stood still, patiently, waiting. "Father?" He didnt answer. I called out again. "Father??" But there was only silence. Dont panic, I told myself. Just stay calm and focus on him. He wouldnt abandon you, not in the woods. But he was... gone. And I... didnt know how to get out of the woods, not without him. He guided me into this. Only he knew how to guide me out. There wasnt anyone else... I know he's here somewhere. I know it. I know it. I've been searching for him for hours, but I know he has to be here somewhere. He has to be. He has to be. He wouldnt just leave me, not in the woods, not when it's getting close to the end of the day and I'm suddenly lost without him. He has to be here somewhere. He has to be... "... Father?"