Chapter 10

“This is a Braille edition of the Episcopal Hymnal,” he said. “Its official name is The Hymnal 1982, which distinguishes it from its predecessor, The Hymnal 1940. That’s not very original, is it? Anyhow, it’s open to a particular hymn. Will you sing it for me?”

“Me?”

“Yes, you. If you have the voice I think you do, you’ll be a great replacement for the tenor soloist we just lost at Good Shepherd.”

“But—”

“Don’t argue with the man,” Zeke said. “Sing for us.”

“Please,” Noah said.

Tom played the opening bars for an introduction then started back at the beginning. I sang. As it happened, I knew the hymn well, and he ran me through all four stanzas. When the music stopped, I could hear Noah and Zeke clapping.

“Ever done any solo work, Josh?” Tom said.

“Not since high school.”

“How about giving this a try?” He placed another piece of music in my hands and said, “I’ll run through it once.”