An Empty Space
Claire was singing along, in sync with the Choir, when, upon looking to the back row, she saw a space where, until only a moment ago, her teenage daughter Ann was seated. It took effort to hold back the tears of frustration, or was it guilt, self-blame…that welled in her eyes. She had failed to tame her teenage daughter as any Christian mother would hope. But God, I have tried, she inwardly quarrelled… I have been an example, always praying, always here, always sharing the bible… Once a church devotee and member of the local Parish choir, her teenage daughter had lost her way and drifted away from Church, from God. Claire had to talk her up the previous six days, to convince her to attend today’s service. Now she had left… And what’s more, she had abandoned the new bible she had bought for her only yesterday, there on the bench. “Whoosh,” Claire sighed, gathering the strength to reach the bible. She noticed a chit protruding from its pages. She read it. “My dearest and nearest. I know I have been far from you lately. I am sorry. I’m back, in your arms, to your comfortable embrace. To your wet love, where I truly belong.” Ann had abandoned service to go and see her boyfriend… Now Claire’s eyes welled;
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