Jesus turned back to his fellow shepherds. Reluctant tears clung to the corners of every eye. Lips quivered in sorrow and silent prayer. No one knew when, or if, they would see their trusted companion again. As Jesus scanned the faces, he found Peter’s. His friend had begged Solomon to let him accompany Jesus on his journey, but Solomon had refused, saying that he could not risk the loss of two shepherds. Trembling, Peter knelt and cradled Anna, unable to lift his reddening eyes. He did not have the strength to say good-bye.

For the first time since accepting his mission, Jesus felt overcome with regret. And fear. It started in his toes, numbing them, and twisted its way up each of his legs until his knees shook.

“Peter,” he whispered. The weight of his decision dropped on him like a sudden stone—the thought of leaving behind all he knew. The surrendering of his safety. And the family of men who loved him.

What if he never saw them again?

His arms began to shake. He wanted to call the whole thing off. To unpack his pouch and run laughing through the flocks with his friend. But when his eyes fell to Solomon, lying weakened on his mat, he knew his fate was sealed.

Anna kicked free from Peter and ran to her shepherd. Jesus read the confusion on her face. He struggled to contain his emotions. He shifted the pouch on his back and tightened the cord. He turned to face his journey and began to walk.

Peter stared into the sand and clenched his fists.

Jesus had just hit his full stride when someone shouted, “Wait!” He turned as Peter fell into his arms, wheezing. Their embrace was deep—the first of its kind. They held tight with the fervor of an uncertain future. Overwhelmed with the sensations of skin, scent, and breath, each waited for the other to pull back. But neither did.

After a moment, Jesus felt a surge, like a hot fist, pushing from beneath Peter.

Behind them a shepherd coughed sharply. The duration of their embrace had crossed an unspoken line.

Peter pulled away. His face flushed with embarrassment. His eyes dropped toward the sand. “I will … miss you,” he whispered. He lifted Anna quickly and jogged back to the others. Bewildered, Jesus watched him go, his friend’s stride fractured through a prism of tears.

Simon pierced the air with a rousing whistle and the shepherds jumped to their flocks. Akbar and Eliah bent to help Solomon stand. If all went according to plan, they would meet Jesus in a valley several days away. Like the young shepherd, they needed to be on their way.