Advent Stories

8. Back in church.

He always kept his own council, let his wife do the talking. But when she died, he was left with a huge void to fill. He retreated from their shared world. Back home with his beloved dog Sam. He did not want to be part of his former life, too many reminders of her, too much pain.

People were trying to help, he recognised that, but he did not want it. He wanted to be left alone. The visits to the shops became fewer. Occasionally he would go to the market, draw his hat lower on his head, and brave the sympathetic glances and stares.

Years had passed and he still missed her as if she had gone yesterday. This year he forced himself to get up early for the celebration. He had received a written invitation to attend the service. He found a clean shirt and his only tie. He shuffled into a seat near the back, nodding at the many faces who wished him well.

During the second carol his rich tuneful baritone rang out in the church. All around grew quiet as the congregation listened in tearful adoration of the return of their choir master.