Reunion If possible, the church looked even more foreboding than it had the day before. Dianne hadn't noticed the frayed lengths of old rope hanging from the two deformed trees on the front lawn the first time she'd come by. Walking past them, and not allowing herself to consider their purpose, she climbed up and stood on the warped porch, knocking on the massive plank door and getting the same lack of response. She was about to go ahead and let herself in again when the door suddenly burst open, startling her. A fat priest stood there holding a stack of cardboard boxes. He looked even more startled than she felt. Scared, even. “Can I help you?” he asked. He glanced anxiously over her shoulder, scanning the vicinity. “Uh... I needed to speak with Father Frank. Is he available?” The big priest seemed relieved. He regarded her thoughtfully. “He's inside. Is he expecting you?” “I'm not sure.
