“I can’t preach today,” Higgins said.

“My spirit isn’t right.”

“You’re going to look down at me in the front row,” I said.

“You’re going to lead this whole service knowing exactly what you are.”

I turned around and laid my hand on the brass deadbolt.

I turned it until the lock clicked loudly open.

I took hold of the handle and pulled the heavy door wide.

The vestibule smelled of fresh floor wax and old hymnals.