Isaac Jacobs tugged at the sleeve of his father’s suit with a mix of impatience and excitement. The sun had just begun its ascent, painting the sky with hues of pink and gold. Isaac’s father, Pastor Jacob Jacobs, was in the middle of adjusting his tie in front of the mirror, his reflection a blur of black and white against the polished wood of their farmhouse.

“Hey, Dad, can we go to the church already?” Isaac’s voice, though youthful, carried a note of urgency. “You’re taking too long to get ready.”

Father Jacobs chuckled, a sound that resonated with both warmth and amusement. “Alright, Isaac, alright. I’m finished now.”

Isaac’s face brightened, his eagerness palpable. “Let’s go before church finishes!”

The pastor turned to his son, a smile tugging at his lips. “Finishes? Isaac, I’m the pastor of that church. It starts with me and finishes with me.”

Isaac rolled his eyes, though his smile remained. “You seem way too excited to go to church for a 14-year-old, despite the fact you never join prayer sessions or read the scripture.”

Isaac stammered, caught off guard. “What?! No, Dad, I... I l-l-like church and—”

Father Jacobs laughed heartily, his laughter echoing through the quiet house. “Isaac, it’s fine. I know you like to meet those orphans at church and your best friend Shiki.”

Isaac looked down, his cheeks flushing slightly. “Can’t get past you, huh, Dad? It’s just that sometimes it feels so lonely on this farm with just us here. Ever since Mom passed away, it hasn’t been the same.”

Father Jacobs’ expression softened, the humor fading from his eyes. “Your mother was a kindred spirit, but now she is in paradise where she can rest happily forever.”

Isaac glanced up, his eyes searching his father’s face for reassurance. “Will we be in paradise soon?”

“Soon enough, sure,” Father Jacobs said, placing a reassuring hand on Isaac’s shoulder. “But for now, let’s enjoy the lives we are living, for who knows how long we will have them.”

With that, Isaac felt a comforting warmth seep through him. Together, they walked towards the church, the morning air crisp and filled with the promise of a new day.

As they arrived, the church’s wooden doors creaked open, revealing the familiar sight of the congregation. Isaac was immediately surrounded by a flurry of activity and excitement. His friends from the orphanage greeted him with enthusiastic shouts.

“ISAAC!!! We missed you!”

Isaac grinned widely. “I MISSED YOU GUYS TOO!! You’re growing bigger every day, aren’t you?”

Among the crowd, he spotted Vanessa, one of his childhood friends, making her way over. Her presence brought a familiar sense of comfort.

“Aren’t you the popular guy around,” Vanessa teased, her eyes twinkling with mischief.

Isaac’s eyes widened. “Wait… VANESSA?!”

Vanessa laughed, a sound that was both melodic and teasing. “I just love how you turn pink all the time. Is it a medical thing?”

Isaac’s face turned a deeper shade of red. “Y-y-yes… it’s a medical condition.”

Just then, Shiki, another close friend of Isaac’s, joined the conversation with a grin that suggested he was about to stir trouble. “Or maybe he likes you or something.”

Isaac’s face turned a vivid crimson, and he shot Shiki a look of panic. “BROOO!!! SHHHHHHHH.”

Vanessa’s laughter grew, though it was light-hearted and kind. “Like me? Nah, I’ve always seen Isaac as a brother.”

Shiki leaned in, whispering conspiratorially to Isaac. “Damn, bro, she hit you with the ‘I see you as a brother’ excuse.”

Isaac muttered to himself, his shoulders slumping in defeat. “It’s over, man.”

The group erupted into laughter, their camaraderie filling the space with a sense of joy and familiarity. They moved towards the church, their spirits high despite the teasing.

Later, as the service began, Isaac, Shiki, and Vanessa quietly slipped out of the church, sneaking away to hang out in town. The world outside the church was vibrant and alive, a stark contrast to the reverent calm of the service. The trio set off, their laughter and conversation mingling with the hum of the bustling town.

Isaac felt a sense of belonging and joy as they ventured into the heart of their community. Despite the challenges and the absence of his mother, moments like these made him appreciate the warmth of friendship and the comfort of shared experiences. The day promised new adventures, and for Isaac, that was enough to make him smile.