Free Waiting for Daybreak by Kathryn Cushman

friend.
    Someone.
    Anyone.
    “You open?”
    Paige turned and found herself looking up into the bespeckled eyes of an elderly woman. In spite of her age, she stood erect, wearing a wool skirt and boots with heels.
    “No, not until nine. I’m just getting things set up. You need something?”
    The woman sighed. “Honey, I need lots of things. But mostly, I was hoping for a refill of my angina medicine.”
    It would at least provide some company for a few minutes, and the woman seemed nice enough. “Where did you get it filled last?”
    “Right here.”
    “Come on in. It’s silly for you to have to come back in an hour.”
    The woman gave a brisk nod. “That’s what I like. Someone with a little common sense. Wasn’t sure there was any of that left in your generation.”
    Paige saw the woman to the sitting area, then proceeded behind the counter. “I have to get the computer fired up. It’ll take just a few minutes.”
    “You planning on making some coffee?”
    “Yes, but don’t worry, I’ll get your medicine for you first.”
    “Nonsense. I don’t want any half-awake pharmacist filling my prescription. You make that coffee first. You can pour me a cup while you’re at it. Personally, I’d die before I’d drink that frothy stuff out front. Plain old coffee’s good enough for me.”
    Paige nodded. “Well, okay then. You got it.” She turned on the computer, then carried the coffee maker to the back shelf, measured out the first pot, and set it to brew. Once she pressed the on button, she walked down to her customer. “Do you know your prescription number?”
    The woman reached into her oversized quilted purse. “Got my bottle right here.” She fished through the cavernous space for a moment, then produced the green plastic vial.
    Paige looked at the name on the top of the label. Ora Vaerge. “How do you pronounce your last name?”
    “Like the noun. You know, I’m on the verge of something great.”
    Paige laughed. “I like it. It’s pretty.”
    As Paige navigated the computer to find her record, the woman strained to look over the counter. “How’s that coffee coming?”
    Paige set the bottle beside the terminal and walked to the back counter. “Nearly ready. Do you want cream or sugar?”
    “Nope. Black’s good. No need for anything else.”
    Paige carried a steaming mug for the woman. “I’ll get to work on your prescription now.”
    “What’s that paper you were carrying around?”
    “The what?”
    “Paper. You know, the index card. You were reading it when I first walked up.”
    “Oh, it’s a Bible verse. I’m praying about something very specific in my life. I’m writing out verses that help me.”
    “I’ve never been able to quote verses. I remember references like you wouldn’t believe but can’t quote a word. I have to go look them up.”
    Paige laughed outright. “My mom’s just the opposite. She can remember all sorts of verses but can’t tell you where any of them are found. I don’t know that I’ve ever heard of anyone besides you with the opposite problem.”
    “Not a problem at all. A reference comes to mind, it’s easy as can be to go look it up. Don’t have to carry a bunch of cards around with me, neither.”
    “I guess you’re right.” Paige finished with the refill. “Here you go, Mrs. Vaerge. Your prescription’s ready.”
    The woman swung her arm in a dismissive manner. “Ora. Call me Ora. I’m too young to be Mrs. Vaerge.” She winked a left eye that had easily seen eighty years pass. “So, what are you praying about? If I have a reference for it, I’ll give it to you.”
    “My mom has cancer. I’m praying through verses on faith and healing.”
    “Let’s see, let me think a minute.” She rubbed her chin, then gave a brisk nod. “Got just the thing. Second Timothy, chapter four, verse twenty. Can’t remember what it says, but I remember it’s about faith and healing.”
    As much as Paige was ready to get on with her day, this was