Chapter 36

He continued in the same vein for a bit longer, but Patrick was lost in his own thoughts. Maybe he'd been so fixed on why, he'd forgotten about the who. At the end of the service they sang Silent Night and filed out wishing each other a Merry Christmas until Patrick was hoarse. Since they were sitting almost at the front, they were the last people out of the church.

"Glad you could make it," Pastor Daniel said.

"Thank you," Patrick shook his hand. "Merry Christmas."

Justine hugged the Pastor and introduced him to Kelly. They walked home quietly and found Kelly's mom waiting patiently in the driveway.

"Merry Christmas," she said to Patrick and Justine before pulling out of the drive.

Patrick followed Justine into the kitchen. She put the kettle on for hot chocolate and sat at the table with him.

"Merry Christmas, Dad," she said.

"Merry Christmas, Justine."

"Do you think the Pastor was right about evil and stuff?"