Free When Perfection Fails by Tyora Moody Page A

tongue. “Sit still for a minute,” she told him. She then said to her mother-in-law. “Eliza, you want me to pour you some coffee?”
    â€œYes, cream and sugar, please.”
    Lenora grabbed two ceramic white mugs from the dishwasher. As she poured the coffee, her mother-in-law turned the television on and flipped channels.
    Lenora brought the steaming mugs over to the table. Then she went over to Michael. “Okay, let’s check your temperature.” Lenora read the thermometer. “Mmm, looks like it’s normal.” She peered at her son. “What’s hurting on you?”
    Michael grabbed his stomach. “My stomach hurts bad.”
    â€œOkay, I tell you what, you lie down for a while. Let’s see how you feel in a bit. I need to get to the boutique because I have appointments. I will call you to see how you are doing. You’ve already missed school for your grandfather’s funeral and were out with Keith.”
    â€œThat’s right, you do what your mother said. Give your grandmother a hug.”
    Michael hugged Eliza, and then left the kitchen. Lenora knew Eliza loved her grandsons just as fiercely as she loved her own son.
    Eliza asked, “Did the police say anything else about finding the culprit who ran off from the accident?”
    Lenora sat down in the chair opposite Eliza and shook her head. She still hadn’t told anyone about the strange messages and voice on her phone. Keith and Rachel were both doing well. Surely, the accident was random and the coward would be found soon.
    She looked over at Eliza who was rubbing her knee. “How’s your knee doing?”
    â€œIt’s not too bad today. The doctor wants me to replace it, but I just can’t—”
    â€œBut won’t the surgery make you more comfortable getting around?”
    Eliza waved her hand. “Those doctors just want to cut on me to get my money. I’m fine. They sure didn’t help Pastor Jeremiah.”
    Lenora swallowed her coffee. Eliza was stubborn, but she felt bad watching the woman lose her husband. She had been wondering why her mother-in-law was so against getting medical assistance for her bad knees. It was almost as if she wanted to suffer.
    â€œWhere’s Jonathan so early this morning?” Eliza asked.
    Eliza’s question brought back memories of last night’s argument with Jonathan. Lenora tried to remember where her husband was today. Usually, she was more in tune with his schedule. “I’m not sure.”
    â€œMayor Carrington came to see him on Sunday.”
    She stared at Eliza. “About the city council seat?”
    â€œOh, so that’s what you two were talking about last night. I was wondering when he would tell you.”
    So, Jonathan can discuss his consideration of running for office with his mother, but not his wife? “So, I guess you think it’s a good idea.”
    â€œThe community loves Jonathan. It will be good for him and Victory Gospel.”
    â€œBut the congregation has grown and is still growing. Don’t you think Jonathan should be more focused on the church’s needs?”
    â€œNever doubt what God can do, Lenora.”
    Lenora protested, “I’m not, I . . .” She stopped. Getting into an argument with her husband’s mother was not what she needed to be doing. In fact, Lenora was pretty sure Eliza did what she could to encourage her only son’s ambitions for her own personal need to be the center of attention.
    She swallowed the rest of her coffee and placed the mug in the sink. “I really need to get to the boutique. I have a wedding party fitting today.”
    â€œYou are going to support Jonathan’s run for office.”
    This old woman really needed to stay out of her marriage. “He hasn’t decided yet, Eliza.”
    â€œIt’s just that you sounded like you were against him.”
    This time Lenora didn’t bother to hide the