Eldridge Sue

Sue Eldridge - Honorable mention - Adults: Fiction
Cornwall Public Library 2015 Annual Writing Contest

THE ANGEL OF DEATH

The pungent smell of the incense reached her nostrils. She sat on the hard pew, three rows back, her head
bent under the weight of the ornate crucifix around her neck.
On either side of her, her children sat, holding her hands, waiting.
At the back of the church, the sun beamed through the rose window onto the coffin. The priest began to
chant, "I am the Resurrection ... " and the coffin moved forward.
The children turned their heads and watched as their father's casket was positioned.
Tears trickled down John's face. Only a few days ago they had been a family once again. It was the first
time that Dad had been invited back to the house since he and Mom had split up. He, John. had felt so
good - after all his graduation had been the reason for the visit and celebration.
"In My house there are many mansions," the priest mumbled.
Bits and pieces of her married life ran through Stella's mind like a spliced film- mostly a black and white
horror show.
The separation had been a terrible matter. He had been forcibly removed from the house, given a
restraining order and limited access to the kids.
"The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away".
He deserved everything he got, she reasoned- but would he be going to Heaven or hell, that was her
question.
Tomorrow she'd be back on the job at the florist shop. Boy he hadn't wanted her to work. Keep her at
home and dependant that was his idea. She'd gotten the job anyway and made a few extra bucks picking
ferns and bittersweet.
That is where she had discovered the mushrooms.
The priest raised his hand over the coffin.
"May His angels take charge over thee now and forever".
Stella smiled- only a few slices and the Angel of Death had done her job.