Candi's group had put on a performance at the church. They were all performing a few Irish pieces. While the orchestra accompanied the singers, the awesome music filled every eye in the audience with tears.

They were just wrapping up the concert with a beautiful and uplifting Celtic piece called The Sky and the Dawn and the Sun.

Afterwards, they received a standing ovation. The choir acknowledged the members of the orchestra, and Candi. Then, they all took a bow together.

After the song, Candi took the microphone. She recited a few lines from the song. "I am the dawn, and the new day begun. I bring you the morning; I bring you the sun. I hold back the night, and I open the skies. I give light to the world; I give sight to your eyes." She paused for a few seconds. "Did you hear the message in those lyrics? I have always loved that song. It reminds us that there is a light at the end of every tunnel, a sunrise at the end of every dark night, and that there is hope, even in the worst of situations. When I listen to the lyrics, I know I will conquer anything. The song also reminds us that, when things are tough, there will always be tomorrow, and tomorrow is the chance for healing and reconciling. Remember to have faith. Pray, believe, and look for good in all things, even if they cause you pain. When a loved one passes on, I believe they live on in heaven, and they watch over you. When a child falls, and bruises their knee, they will heal. With love and medicine, they'll heal more easily. When a romance comes to an end, you have a chance to find someone else, until you finally find the one you were meant to spend the rest of your life with. Never give up. I believe in everything I just said, and I often tell that to my group. Pass this on to others you love."

The audience tearfully applauded Candi's beautiful speech.

After the concert, Candi met up with her mother, outside the dressing room. Máiréad gave her daughter a big hug. "Oh, Darling!" she cried. "You were wonderful! I'm very proud of you!"

"Thank you, Mum," Candi replied. "I'll see you in the fellowship hall in a few minutes."

"Alright."

Candi went into the dressing room to fix her makeup for dinner. Then, she left, and headed to the fellowship hall. She saw her mother and her best friend, Lillian, sitting together, and she joined them. "Hello."

"Hey, girl," Lillian greeted.

"Hi, Darling," Máiréad greeted as well.

"You were smokin' tonight!" Lillian barked.

Candi laughed. "You think so?"

"Oh, yeah. Honey, your choir was on fire."

Candi and Máiréad laughed at Lillian's joke.

"So, where's Gabriel?" asked Máiréad.

"He didn't want to come," Candi replied.

"Oh, that's a shame. He missed a fantastic show."

"Well, this isn't really his scene, so I'm not upset."

"Yeah, but he should've been here at least to support you," added Lillian.

"I don't like to push anyone."

"You're such a sweet person," said Máiréad.

Lillian grunted. "There's just somethin' about that boy I don't like. I mean, he's cute, but he never comes to your concerts, and this is, like, really important to you. If he loved you, he'd support you."

"He does."

"He sure has a funny way of showing it."

"Well, I respect his beliefs, and I don't want to push him into doing things he doesn't believe it."

"I know. I just don't wanna see my best friend getting' hurt."

"And, I appreciate that."

While they were talking, one of the group members, Mae, came to say good night. "Hey, guys. I have to go."

"Can't you stay for the party?" asked Lillian.

"No. My mom told me to come straight home from the concert, or I'm grounded for a month."

Máiréad scoffed. "That's ridiculous."

Mae nodded. "Tell me about it. My mom doesn't even care."

"What about your father?"

"He's in jail."

"Oh, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to pry."

"No, it's okay. I need to talk to people about it."

"Well, go on home, Sweetie," Candi said sweetly, "but please help yourself to a treat. You did a fabulous job in the concert."

"Thanks."

"You will be able to come to tomorrow's group meeting, though, right?"

"Yeah."

"Good."

"See you guys." Mae took a few cookies on her way out.

Máiréad sighed. "Poor girl."

"I know," Candi agreed. "Her mum never supports her, and I don't understand why. She has such a beautiful voice."

"How old is she?"

"She's seventeen."

"Unbelievable!" Lillian snapped. "She's more than earned her mama's trust. She's almost a grown woman!"

"I know. It's such a shame her mother won't let her grow up, and she can't even be with her father." Candi wiped a few tears from her eyes. "I'm just glad we can all be there for her."

"I know she's more than grateful you created the group," Máiréad commented.

"I hope we can reach her mother one of these days."

Just then, Candi's best male friend, Angelicus, sneaked up behind her. "Boo," he teased.

Candi jumped, and turned around. "Oh, hi!" she laughed. "You gave me a fright."

"Can I join you?"

"Of course."

Angelicus pulled up a chair, and sat between Candi and Lillian. "You did an awesome job, directing us." Angelicus is a member of the group.

"Thank you, Sweetie. You did a great job, too. You sang beautifully."

Angelicus blushed. "Thanks."

"I can see why your name is Angelicus. You sing like an angel, and you act like one, too."

He blushed even more. "Stop. You're embarrassing me," he teased.

"Boy, you are so cute when you blush," Lillian flirted.

"Alright, Sweetheart, I don't think he can get any redder," Candi chuckled.

They all laughed together, but right in the middle of their laughter, Candi started coughing.

"You okay?" asked Lillian.

"Oh, yes. I'm fine."

"Do you need to go to the doctor?"

"No, it's probably just allergies."

"It didn't sound like allergies. Sounds like a cold."

"Then, I'll take some cough medicine. I'll be alright."

"Okay."

"I'll give you some cough syrup when we get home," said Máiréad.

Lillian made a face. "Yuck. That stuff is nasty."

"Actually, it's not too bad," said Candi. "I like it."

"I do, too," Angelicus agreed. "Tastes like cinnamon."

"Y'all are brave," Lillian chuckled.

They all laughed again.

During their laughter, Reverend Fulton joined them at their table.

"Hello, Reverend," Candi greeted.

"Candi, you took my breath away tonight," he said.

Candi blushed.

"I'm serious. You put on the most beautiful show I've ever seen. Then again, when have you not?"

Candi giggled. "Aww, thank you."

"I wanna see another show in a few months time. Will you do that?"

"I would love to, and I have some ideas for a theme. I would love to discuss them with you and the group."

"Bless you for that. Well, I just wanted to come over, and tell you what a wonderful job y'all did tonight."

"Thank you so much, Reverend."