"Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ...As we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith." – Galatians 6:2, 10

It had been a rough few days for Maya. After getting over the initial shock that her father had indeed flown out to California, the next obstacle she faced was actually seeing him in person. He was in a hospital bed surrounded by machines and sterile gray walls, but he was there nonetheless, with two broken ribs and a mild concussion. Some of the other passengers on his flight had fared worse, so Maya knew she should be thankful. But the situation was just so weird that she didn't know how to feel.

She was confused by her mother's actions, too. Mrs. Mallory had obviously tried keeping her phone calls with Maya's father a secret. Why? And why wouldn't she tell Maya that he was flying back to California? Despite her frustration, Maya bit back her questions and reassured herself that she would ask them at a more appropriate time.

But she could only suppress her feelings for so long. Her awkward reunion with her dad had gone something like this:

After a few exclamations of relief by Mrs. Mallory, Maya had shuffled over to her father's bedside, swallowing nervously. He looked like a wreck. Underneath the fresh bruises and ashen pallor, he was the same. He had that same pointed nose, straight brown hair, quick half-smile, and adventurous glint in his eyes.

After Mrs. Mallory had moved aside, Daniel Mallory shifted his gaze onto his daughter. His chocolate brown eyes filled with tears. "My little surfer girl," he said, his voice catching halfway through the last word.

"Hey Dad," she said quietly.

Slowly, almost gingerly, Mr. Mallory reached out his arms while Maya moved in closer. They embraced for a few seconds. It felt strange for Maya to hold him, to be surrounded by his strong arms and have his whiskers tickle her face.

"I hope you haven't had too much fun while I've been gone," he said.

While I've been gone? Maya received the words like she would a jolt of electricity. Was he here to stay? Then she quickly chastised herself—of course he was staying. He had to recover. They couldn't just send him back to Arizona.

"I hear you've got yourself a boyfriend," he added.

"Daniel," Mrs. Mallory cut in swiftly.

"His name's Jake," Maya explained.

Her father nodded. "I know."

"Right." Maya looked from one parent to the other. "Um, I heard you talking on the phone a few times..."

Mrs. Mallory flushed. Her husband cleared his throat. And then a nurse whisked into the room, suspending the awkwardness and allowing the trio to breathe a collective sigh of relief.

That had been Maya's not-so-grand reunion. It was strange, seeing her father again—and having him look exactly the same as she'd remembered. He was a little older, of course, but it was like they had picked up right where they'd left off.

Strangely, Maya wasn't mad at him. She had every right to be—he was the one who had become a workaholic, started fighting with her mom, and ended up leaving both of them for another job in Arizona. But he had left when Maya was young. She didn't know what else had come between her parents. Yet after multiple hospital visits over the past few days, she did know one thing for sure: she was glad her father was back to fill the empty hole he had left in her heart all those years ago.

Now, on the way to Scottie's Surf Shack after school, Maya closed her eyes and let her weariness fade away. Jake was in the front seat driving, Koa in the backseat singing. It was a normal Tuesday—and yet it felt anything but normal.

Maya's phone suddenly pinged with a new text. She fished it out of her pocket and widened her eyes. "Uh-oh," she mumbled.

"What's the problem?" Jake asked.

"My mom needs me," she groaned. "Apparently they're moving my dad home right now, and they need me to help."

Koa's singing trailed off into silence. He leaned forward and said, "Why don't we turn around and head to the hospital? We don't need to hang out at Scottie's anyway. I have homework to do."

Maya frowned. "No, but I have a shift to work."

Jake sighed and flicked on his blinker as he changed lanes. "Okay, how about this," he said. "Let's go to Scottie's, since we're less than a mile from there anyway. I can cover Maya's shift, Koa can hang out, and Maya can drive to the hospital. How's that?"

"You don't need to cover for me—" she started, but Koa interrupted her.

"Sounds like a plan," he said. "I can help, too."

"Oh, guys, no way." Maya held up her hands. "This is really unnecessary. I'll just pop in and tell my boss what the problem is. The staff will be fine without me."

But when the trio walked into the Surf Shack, they were greeted with dozens of people milling throughout the store and lining up behind the counter. Nikki, one of only two waitresses on duty, was rushing back and forth like a madwoman.

Maya quickly pushed through the Employees Only door and made a beeline for Scottie, the manager. He was working the grill, his forehead slicked with beads of sweat and his shirtsleeves rolled up to the elbows.

"Glad you're finally here!" he said good-naturedly. "Rush hour is even busier than usual!"

"I noticed," she said with a wince. "Sir, I'm really sorry, but an emergency came up and my mom needs me at the hospital. I won't be able to work right now."

He pursed his lips and waited in silence for a few beats. "I wish you would have given me more of a heads-up," he sighed.

"It's an emergency," Maya said again, desperately. "And I have two friends out front who are willing to cover for me."

Scottie paused with a hand on his hip. "Two?"

"And they'll work for free."

He smiled broadly. "Well, what are you waiting for? If they're both half as good of a worker as you are, I'll be glad to take 'em!"

Maya nodded and whisked out the door. She quickly spotted Jake and Koa and pulled them aside. "Guys! I'm sorry, but are you still up for working? I may or may not have just volunteered you to cover for me."

They both assented, and she silently thanked the Lord for working everything out so smoothly. "Okay," she said, "just head through that door over there and get your instructions from Scottie. Expect a text from me pretty soon."

"Don't worry about it," Jake reassured her. "Go take care of your dad."

She hugged him gratefully. After grabbing his keys, she rushed out the door, leaving the duo standing in the middle of the Shack.

"Well?" Koa asked, raising his eyebrows. "Should we get this party started?"

It was a full two hours before Maya returned and the boys were free to leave. Jake finished wiping down the last table and collapsed in a chair, his hands and fingers burning. He hadn't realized how exhausting running around a restaurant, taking people's orders, and serving food could be.

"Hey," Maya said, sidling up next to him and resting a hand on his shoulder. "How was work?"

"Tiring," he said automatically.

She cracked a smile. "Welcome to my world."

The bells on the front door jingled, announcing the arrival of a family. Aside from a small group seated by one of the windows, they were the only customers. The after-school rush was officially over. Now there was finally a small window of relaxation before the dinner rush began.

"Thanks for taking my shift," Maya added. "Were there any problems?"

Jake shook his head. "No, not really."

She stared at him curiously. "What does that mean?"

He lowered his voice. "I don't know, but I can't help thinking about what you said. Something is wrong with Koa. He isn't his normal happy self."

They were interrupted by the arrival of Scottie, who wiped his hands on his apron as he walked towards them. "Maya! Glad to see you back," he announced. "Is everything okay?"

She nodded gratefully. "Yes, and I'm ready to finish my shift."

Jake gaped at her. "You're not done?"

She shook her head. "I have another three hours."

"It goes by quickly," Scottie said. "People will start coming in for dinner here soon."

"Speaking of dinner, I'm pretty hungry," Jake admitted.

Scottie smiled at him. "I'm impressed with your work ethic, Jake. You and Koa helped out more than I'd expected you to. The next time you eat at my Shack, your meals are on the house."

"Really?" Jake asked. "Thanks!"

"And," Scottie added, lowering his voice, "if you ever need some extra cash, don't be afraid to stop by for a job interview. I would love to make room for you on staff."

Maya squealed and clasped her hands together. "Do it, Jake!"

He laughed. "I'll think about it. Thank you, sir."

Scottie nodded and turned back towards the kitchen. "Ready, Maya?"

"Of course." She took Jake's apron and tied it around her waist. Biting her lip, she watched as he and Koa, shoulders slumped, left the restaurant. She needed to talk to Alana.