From Those We Love the Most

Part 9

                Veronica’s heart would choke. Here is what happened last.

                She herself never considered “nunning” as a profession. Veronica just expected herself to end up the half of some pair, to some luminous husband who played as a dignitary at the United Nations or such. Playing arm candy at dinner parties in the Hamptons and laughing when appropriate. As for her piano skills, sure she had them, some notion of them and their possibilities, yes. She could have gone anywhere on the wings of that. Veronica would never realize this.

                “We should pray,” Sister Hazel instructed. It was her go-to, her safety in the dashboard. “I think we’ve played enough for one day.”

                The keyboard to the piano was soon covered by a wooden layer. Another layer of dust jumped up in its impact. Charlie’s eyelashes flicked them away.

                He didn’t feel brave or special, chosen or loved. He was aware of a feeling of distance that stretched between him and the girl.

                The prayer sounded hollow coming from his chapped lips. The words were coarse. He knew that if her body was a church, it would be her altar he’d pray most solemnly at. Her bony knees on either side.