Chapter 60

“The Goddess doesn’t need to be reminded of our needs, but it doesn’t hurt,” she added.

“No, it doesn’t,” Ginderbach agreed. “And I’m sure Noah could use all the help from the Goddess he can get.”

“You’ll have to forgive Tina,” Mama said, a look of discomfort on her face.

“Why?” I asked. I knew why. I was offended that Mama felt the need to bring it up.

“Well, she’s…”

The words died on Mama’s lips. She’s not one of us, Father. She’s a little strange. She worships “the Goddess.” She has an herb garden on her porch. She makes her own candles. She’s…

“I’m a pagan, Father,” Tina announced.

“Ain’t we all?” Ginderbach said. “And we’re all in this together. Since you’re here, perhaps you’d like to help me with Wiley’s anointing?”

“Sure,” she said with an enthusiastic smile.

“I’m not dying,” I pointed out.

“Don’t be silly,” Mama said.

“I thought they didn’t anoint people unless they were afraid they were dying or something,” I said.