She Only Speaks to Butterflies by Sandy Appleyard Page A

carried a small chesterfield pillow in with her. Sherry chuckled.
    “What’s that for?”
    “Well, no matter how much I pray for my bottom to not get sore in the Lord’s house, it still feels like someone’s kicked me in the rear. “ Sarah was adamant. “So I figure, if he wants to give me a sore behind, I’m bringin’ a pillow to the service.” She placed it under her arm forcefully. “I’ll fix his wagon.”
    Sherry smirked, taking Denise’s hand as they crossed the parking lot into the chapel. She paused, observing the lot.
    “I wonder how Mrs. Marx is doin’?”
    “I’m sure Reverend Telly’ll give a prayer for her.” Sarah patted her arm. “Come on, Mark!” She bellowed as he drove around, looking for a spot closer to the entrance. “If we don’t get a good seat, it won’t matter how close you parked!”
    “Ah, to hell with it,” Sarah huffed. “He can find his own damn seat.”
    They entered the chapel. Ned and Kate were seated up front. Ned saw Sherry and gestured for her to come sit with them. Sherry made her way to the first aisle, nodding and waving to familiar faces, including Lina and Greg Groves. Greg gave her a wink while Lina lifted a brow, placing her nose back into the church leaflet.
    Sherry sat beside Kate. “Mandy Marx show up yet?”
    “No, we ain’t seen her, love,” Kate said worriedly. “Your parents comin’ in today?”
    Sherry nodded, lifting a bible from the shelf in front of her. “They called last night. Daddy said they should be here after lunch.”
    Mark walked in briskly, looking hesitantly for Sarah. Ned motioned him over, offering the seat next to him, purposely on the opposite side of Sarah. As Mark sat Ned patted him on the back of his hand and smiled knowingly. Mark murmured.
    “Bless you, Ned.” The old man chuckled under his breath.
    Reverend Telly began the service by thanking all the participants in the bake sale, and sharing a joke about how his cloak was fitting more snugly since. After he recited the hymns and his daughter Sheila completed the reading, he proceeded to the announcements.
    “Once again I’d like to thank everyone who helped with the bake sale. Principal Martin at Cog Hill Elementary School couldn’t be here today to thank you personally, so he’s asked me to do it on his behalf.”
    The Reverend shifted his weight, removing the microphone from the podium as he walked down the middle aisle. “Normally at this time we say prayers for those of us who are sick or troubled, but most of us are fortunate enough to be healthy and at peace.” He scanned the room, removing the reading glasses he had perched on his nose.
    “We’re blessed to not have to make regretful announcements in this community very often, thanks to the wonderful team of doctors we have at our hospital.” He cleared his throat nervously. “Unfortunately, there was one member of our community they weren’t able to save.”
    Sherry felt her heart pound in her chest. Sarah gave Sherry’s hand a gentle squeeze.
    “Jinny Marx, a wonderful woman, a member of our church, and a strong part of this community, passed away early this morning.” He looked down, then back up again. “I was honored to give her her last rights late last night.”
    “God bless her,” someone said.
    “Yes, thank you,” Reverend Telly responded appreciatively. “God bless her dear soul.” Then he bowed his head and joined his hands in front. “Let us pray for Jinny Marx, Mandy Marx and the rest of the Marx family. The Lord be with them.”
    Silence enveloped the congregation as church members bowed their heads in prayer. Reverend Telly continued.
    “The funeral service will be held here the day after tomorrow, as per the family’s wishes. All are welcome to attend.”
    Reverend Telly turned on his heel, walking back up to the podium, and replaced the microphone on its stand. He cleared his throat again.
    “As with the circle of life, when one life ends, another begins. Rebecca and