Being single, he only had himself to get ready for church - and besides, Brian had joined his wife's church...which was okay, but they were somewhat calvinist. "Glen," is your church on for tomorrow?
"Uh, yeah...why wouldn't it be"?
"If it's okay, would you come by and pick me up?"
"Mom, I'd be more than happy to take you to yours."
"Mine had to cancel; Pastor blew out his back, shoveling Thursday; he's okay, just banged up a bit." Gwin, ever battling, and oftentimes, losing against a proud spirit, added, "I'd drive myself, but the plowguy - and i guess about everyone else, was called south, so I'll meet you out front."
"WHAT??" Her son paused, counted to three, then continued. "You've not been able to get out...WHY didn't you call one of us?"
Didn't need to."
"MOTHER!!" He paused, and counted again, "What if...
"If, schmif, it's all good."
"I'll be over later on, to plow your drive."
Sunday morning:
Glen unzipped his jacket, but didn't yet take it off. The house was, this side of chill - but, except for living room, and the adjoining parlor, it usually was. Though the kitchen was moderately warm, since his mom had made bacon, eggs, biscuits, and fried taters, and coffee.
Nope, he wasn't about to the senior-living speel-route. Know-it-all, didn't know everything. Glen's job as a delivery dispatch...well, there were things he had gotten wind of, which most people either didn't know about, or care to know about - or both. Suffice to say, he had reason to stand firm, on the fact, that old folks - if possible - were better off living in their own homes.
The Grove...my arse!
And yeah, there was a history of sibbling rivalry. Brian had things, which Glen wanted. Namely, a wifely wife and children, but...considering what's out there...nuh uh, no thanks. How'd he rate? Glen stirred his coffee, green devil, be gone. He reached for seconds. And yeah, he needed to hit the gym, but Dear Reader, that's all easy enough to say, when your business has well staffed.
Needful to say, this story's incel hero would be back on the phones, this afternoon. Jimmy was piling snow somewhere in Maryland, and wouldn't be back until tuesday. As for Ha-ha-hhaankk? No, he was gone - period.
The service:
Son and Mom met in the corridor outside the sanctuary. "Did you enjoy the class?"
"Yes I did." While they took their seats, Gwin briefed what the elder group had been studying. Glen likewise briefed a missionary's topic given during the men's fellowship class. Though, he didn't go into detail; the happenings in a certain major u.s. city, Glen didn't think, was appropriate for his mother's ears - besides, such would only distress her.
Gwin looked across the aisle, to what appeared to be a familiar face. Was that ...? No, couldn't be...church would be the last place. A stately puritan hymn resounded from the piano, a few moments later, one of the elders led the congregation in prayer. Following, was another puritan hymn, the lyrics from out of the 17th or 18th century. A few quick announcements, then came the sermon.
Oh it was a long one. Gwin had no choice but to have to arise and visit the "Ladies" room. Which was no shame; there had been several others, who also had to take the same call - one, a middle-aged man.
Thankfully, the facilities were near by, so Gwin didn't miss much. Sitting back down, that somewhat familiar face, somewhat turned in her direction. Familiar, but different. And where? No, not the grocery store. Meanwhile, the pastor came to a verse concerning employees.
That's where! And that's when Gwin realized what was different about the approaching-middle-aged woman. Her hair wasn't so green.
Later in the afternoon:
Gwin was at home, redoing a hem in one of the faded curtains, she'd recently pulled out of the dryer. They were pale green, a bit paler than their last washing. Finishing the hem, some other things came together. While Gwin had enough to keep her busy, simply doing her job, and so, little time, or interes, in the latest gossip.
Oh, so that's why gruesome hasn't been hanging with twosome - and vice-versa. All's Gwin knew was, the one who, evidently, had began her journey upon the narrow road, needed, right now, most of all, privacy and space.
Thank You, Lord Jesus, Gwin looked up, tossed the panel aside, and did a twirl.
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