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The Friend Who Could Not Walk

In the town of Capernaum lived a man whose legs would no longer obey him. His name was Eli, and he had four faithful friends. Each morning, they carried him into the sunlight so he could feel its warmth. They never treated him as a burden, though lifting him was hard work. Eli often smiled, though a quiet ache lived deep inside his heart. His friends, however, believed that brighter days were still ahead. One evening, exciting news traveled from house to house through the narrow streets. A teacher named Jesus had come, and people said he could heal the sick.

Too Thick a Crowd

The four friends made a stretcher from a woven mat and sturdy poles. Gently, they lifted Eli and began the long journey toward the crowded house. When they finally arrived, their hearts sank at the sight before them. People filled every doorway, every window, and every step of the path. There was no room left, not even a narrow gap to squeeze through. 'We came too late,' one friend whispered, his shoulders drooping with disappointment. Still, the friends refused to turn back after coming so very far.