THE LIVING FLAME 

By Tessa Harvey


    There was a firm knock on the door. Opening it, Queenie saw Daniel, Ernst's father, and another man, Karl and Inge, his wife.
    Inge hustled forward to hug her bereaved friend, casting a nasty look at Ernst as she did so. The boy hunched his shoulders and turned away.
    "We wanted to help bury our brother Will if it is timely for you dear," asked Inge quietly, crying. "We still have half an hour before full dark and the moon is full."
    "A storm is forecast for tomorrow," added Karl in his normal quiet voice. Both men carried large spades over their shoulders. 
    Queenie hesitated, then agreed gratefully. "Soon the frosts will come. And he is not here. He is with our Father, rejoicing in Heaven."
    "Careful, woman," added Daniel, sadly. "My son may be recording us on his phone. I am sorry."
    Ernst flashed an angry red. He held up empty hands, "I want to help," he said, sullenly.
    "Over under the pines is best, please," Queenie's voice, wavering, "above the floods that come in winter.
    Ernst hurried away as soon as Will was buried. He did not want to hear them pray.


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