Elise and Don

*

When Elise went to talk to Don, one of the "pillars" of their church -- well, it was their attempt at a church -- well, the sort of church to which everyone brought their joy but no one ever brought their sorrow -- or dared to consider it -- well, the sort of church which its own members considered largely powerless for helping a person get well (since that was a task for clinics and counselors and cocaine) -- well, then, when Elise went to talk to Don, he took one quick look at her and turned white as a glass of milk.

*

Sick? Sick? O Elise, you really think of me as sick???

*

And Elise thought to herself: I didn't before but now I certainly do.

*