“The Death Issue” December 2015 1

lines between his thoughts and hers muddled. His answers lacking.
As this failure grows wider, he feels convinced that it's unhealthy to try and secondguess
her. Then, in full cycle, he wonders if his reflections about the church and his love
reveal any truth, or if he's simply more concerned with himself, and has a tendency to
overanalyse.
The initial point becomes tiresome. His vision stained from staring at the window.
“Er gab dir den Wille zu wählen,” says the priest.
“He gave you the will to choose,” says Michelle, leaning in.
“Freiheit durch Gnade oder Knechtschaft durch Laster,” he says.
“Freedom through grace or bondage through vice,” she says.
“Was wirst du tun?” he says, slowing towards the end.
“What does that mean?” Aaron asks.
“What will you do?” she answers.
The congregation stand to recite the Lord's Prayer. Aaron recounts the lines from
childhood, mumbling those jumbled, unaware of his lovers gaze.
During a closing hymn, the senior priest walks around with a collection plate. Michelle
and Aaron root for change and drop several coins.
With the service over, they prepare to leave.
While they pass, those stood chatting in the isle turn to say “Auf Wiedersehen.”
The couple say the same. The sun on their faces, as they exit the church.
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