In My Father's House

Page 40

in my father's house/ 2 2 you again, once and for all: When I go, he will take my place as head of this priesthood. If this council cannot uphold him, I will appoint a council that will." Then Brother Musser's voice broke and he began mumbling to himself as he felt for his chair. My father's head was bent, eyes squeezed tightly shut and fists clenched at his sides. Bits of manure still clung to his black oxfords. Flushed with anger, the two councilmen jumped up and walked quickly toward the front door, their voices hissing like snakes. Some of the mothers were crying; others were laughing and talk­ing excitedly with each other. Brother Musser sagged in his chair, looking drained and weary. As we left, the councilmen stood stiffly at the doorway, two statues, staring back at Brother Musser. "Doesn't mean a thing," Brother Jesperson muttered as we passed. "He was drunk!" "Hasn't been in his right mind since the stroke," the other councilman said. "And you can bet Rulon took full advantage of those housecalls to keep him off his rocker." My mother gasped. Then she marched me through the door without nodding or saying goodbye to the two men. Walking home through the sharp darkness, my mother took a deep breath. "I don't suppose we'll see Aunt LaVona's brother again." "Aunt LaVona will be sad."