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Show Inside Out, 81 "Well, how are the Gates family doing these days?" asked Brother Angus. It was ridiculous. They all knew that Brother Johnson and Brother Angus were only there because the bishop had assigned them to come. They all knew that these men were supposed to find out what was going on at the Gates home, give a short gospel message, and then go back and report to the bishop. It all felt so phony. And yet Brother Angus was such a nice person. He made it look like being here was his idea of a fantastic way to spend an evening. But it couldn't be fun for him, Terra thought. "We're fine," said Dad. "But I've got some things to do, so I'm afraid this will have to be a short visit this month." As if they didn't all know he had been dodging them for months, and would have arranged to be gone if he had known they were coming. "Well, then, we'll make our message short," said Brother Angus. "Would you like to give it, Brother Johnson?" Brother Johnson looked like he'd rather get his nose pierced. "Well, mostly it's just this," he said, in a strangled voice. "God loves us all. All he wants is for us to be happy. We can repent if we need to, and return to the plan of happiness. That's his great gift to us." It was a silent for a second, until the others realized that he was finished. "Well!" said Brother Angus. "I couldn't have said it straighter myself. And I just want to add that we love you too, James, and we miss you at church." Dad was silent. Terra wanted to crawl behind the couch. She didn't dare steal a peek at her father's face. How could he possibly answer this. He didn't. |
