Jesus was overwhelmed with compassion for the people afflicted with every imaginable ailment—boils, cysts, dog bites, blindness, diarrhea, arthritis, goiter, bloody urine, broken limbs, headaches, nausea, toothaches, and tremors. More than anything, he wished to begin helping them. But he was also mindful of Ruth’s apprehension.

“Should I clear a path for us?” he asked her, thinking she would wish to depart immediately.

Startled, Ruth gazed across the desperate crowd. She, too, was deeply affected by their suffering. Though she continued to wish that she and her companions could avoid exposing themselves, she realized that was not to be. Something about their journey—and Jesus himself—was compelling them into the world.

But if they did step forward, what would become of them?

“Ruth?” Jesus asked, holding back the crowd.

Lost in thought, she glanced over and saw her companion—a handsome man with vibrant eyes, an island of stillness in a sea of need. In that moment she decided to release her hold and let the current take them. Rolling up the sleeves of her new robe, she said, “There is much work to be done. And not a minute to waste.”

She looked up just in time to see Jesus breaking into a smile.

Ruth and Tabitha worked tirelessly to provide Jesus with dozens of pastes, tinctures, and powders prepared from their supply of herbs.

As they labored, Ruth noticed how skillfully Jesus observed afflictions and offered remedies to those who suffered. Having absorbed much in his years among the Sisters, he appeared eager to apply what he had learned and only occasionally needed to turn to Ruth for guidance. She also noticed how easily people opened up to him. Perhaps it was the dazzling pools of his eyes that put them at ease. Perhaps it was his innocence. Perhaps it was the simple fact that he was male. No matter the reason, she could not deny the soothing impact he had on those around him.

The phenomenon eased her worry over the risks they were taking, and the gnawing of her visions.

By the time the sun stood overhead, the three companions were exhausted. Their hands and robes sticky with salve, pus, and plant saps. They badly needed rest. But Ruth knew it would be unwise for them to stay in one place. And Nazareth was still far off. She expressed her concerns to Jesus and Tabitha and they agreed to depart.

While they were gathering up their belongings, a young mother approached them. In her arms, she carried her two-year-old son. Less bold than the other villagers, she did not press close, but stood nearby in the hope that they would notice. It was Jesus who spotted her. “Ruth,” he whispered. “There is another.”

The young mother set her son on the ground. He stood unsteadily on bare feet, a brown patch covering one eye. Black flies clustered along the damp rim of his good eye.