Monday, 8 June 2015

Thirteen Crucifixions, 119


They sat in the common room, following breakfast, as was their custom, each accepting for the day a task or duty.  The others had already gone out into the day, leaving Sheila, Glen, Michael, Lazarus, Matthew and Adam.  This particular grouping had never before gathered together, apart from the others.  As though each had been avoiding this, forestalling, not wanting to face yet this inevitability of the peculiar bonds they all shared together.  Each had claimed this as a personal quiet day.  Once they were alone together no one spoke, nor dared get up to leave.  This had been coming.  Each knew it.

            Adam sat next to the white cat, whose fur he stroked absent-mindedly.  Also on the couch, on the other side of the cat, sat Sheila.  Matthew was in the next chair.  Michael occupied the entire loveseat, with his legs up in a posture of repose, flanked by Glen and Lazarus.

            “Well”, Glen said with nervous cheeriness, “Here we are.”

            “Here we are indeed”, Michael said with theatrical emphasis.

            “Tomorrow is All Saint’s day”, Matthew said.

            “Which makes this”, Sheila added, “Hallowe’en?”

            “All Hallows Eve”, said Adam.

            “Trick or Treat”, Lazarus deadpanned.

            “Odd that we all should end up living here”, Matthew said.  Addressing Sheila, “How do you like it so far?”

            “Yes.  I like it.”

            “And how is the prodigal”, he said, looking at Michael.

            “Don’t start”, he snapped good-naturedly.

            “It’s good to have you back”, Glen said.
            “Real good”, Adam emphasized.

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