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Halfway down the hallway, I heard Uncle Roy say "I' so strong a feeling for you"

"Don't be foolish Roy"

"God knows and God's punishedmy child and edy and the misery is on my head"

"Stop it That's stupid talk and you know it I won't listen to it" Mommy said harshly

"Maer to send you off to live here She wanted you far away froot you firmly planted in this rich, white world I'd have no place and no entry She didn't anticipate all that happened and your bringing me here, but she knew and I knew she knew I should have followed her secret wishes and forgotten you"

"Please, stop it Roy Please," Mommy pleaded

"My fault," he muttered "My fault"

I let out the hot breath I had been trapping in s Before I took a step forward, however I turned and realized Harley was right behind me He had been there the whole time, too, and had heard every word His eyes fixed firmly on mine

"Coffee's getting cold" he said

I hurried ahead and brought them their coffee Harley followed in slowly and Mo hi,

"You want to keep thinking about your future Harley, and work hard to do the things that would have made her proud"

He nodded and thanked her I returned to the kitchen and prepared a tray of food Afterward, everyone ca Daddy arrived and he and Uncle Roy went off to discuss the funeral arrangements Mommy insisted Harley come to our house for dinner He said he would, but he didn't When I called, he said he was just too tired and told me to thank Mommy

The days before and around Aunt Glenda's funeral seemed to be days without hours and minutes, just a flow of time that made every moment seem exactly like the moment before and the moment after It rained the day before the funeral, but cleared up thatAll of the people orked for Moan's company showed up at the church The death had been ruled accidental, even though anyone who knew about Aunt Glenda kneas the result of some form of madness

Dressed in his suit and tie and standing beside Roy Harley looked so much older It was as if his e years and dragged hi into the dark side ofthe church service He kept his face forward, his eyes fixed on his own thoughts, and he seeation rose to sing a hyain Finally it ended

Aunt Glenda at Uncle Ray's insistence, was buried in the plot beside Latisha She was finally back with the child she had lost After the internment, we had food and drink prepared at our house Harley was there, but very uncomfortable, just able to nod or mutter to all those who came to him to offer condolences I sat beside hi