Emmie 18

Still as still, she caught the corner of Father Costello's eye. He was not sure, but as he made to move down the aisle he became aware of the almost imperceptible rise and fall of the woman's shoulders. Not wishing to give her a shock he rattled his keys against the radiator. She came to with a sharp intake of breath.
" Oh it's you Emmie! "
" I'm sorry Father, I must have dozed off."
". That's all right. When I first saw you, I thought you had dozed off for good. "
" I could well have, but I don't think he is ready for me yet." She gave a smile and a shrug. She was aware that her knees seemed very stiff as she tried to get up.
" Let me help," He said. " Old bones, that's something we share. Would you like to come in for a cup of tea? You feel quite cold."
" No thank you, all the same. I must get back."

They walked together down the nave. Father Costello opened the door into the porch, and let Emmie through into the darkening evening air, " Now you just take care," he said and locked the door behind her.

She stood by the gate and paused to gather her thoughts. " How embarrassing being found asleep in church. Like a vagrant," she thought. And her knees still felt a bit wobbly. She would walk back slowly. She wondered whether Jenny was visiting that evening. She would check the calendar when she got in.

Opening her door, she hung up her coat and went to the calendar. Jenny was due on Sunday afternoon. " Good, " she thought. That visit to church had left her quite drained, time for a nice cup of tea.

JL Oct 13. 13:04