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ABIGAIL MANGIN 23
The monks processed down the aisle between the pews like delicate black swans. Their habits swayed to the sound of the harp, mimicking the rhythms of the Earth. It was a runway walk of a different kind. Each step had a purpose. Each pause in the march toward the chapel’s nave held a contemplative silence. The farther the monks entered into the small chapel, the more their eyes gave away their peace.
Brother George followed behind the black habits, eyes locked on the brothers who bowed to God. It was only when he saw the little boy, Billy, standing alone in the pews, that he felt at home again. Billy watched in awe, standing straight and stiff, saluting the monks like they were military men.
Brother George bowed to the abbot and to God and took his seat in the wings of the chapel’s nave. The monks sat across from him, prepared to sing the psalms. They looked to the cross or to the light that came through the wooden beams of the ceiling.
When the abbot sat, the monks turned to Psalm 109. They sang, “A prince from the day of your birth on the holy mountains; from the womb before the dawn, I begot you.”
Their voices joined together into melody. One breath, the same words, in monotone, yet the lyrics flowed light and airy.
Brother George looked out toward the pews, curious about Billy. He sat alone, his shaking hands gripped the printed pink paper as he hid his face behind it. It was intimidating to sit among the monks, to feel small in the presence of the confident chants.
Brother George still felt small.
When Billy stood to leave the chapel, Brother George waved him over.
Billy scurried down the aisle, clumsily stumbling over a floorboard.
“The Master standing at your right hand will shatter kings in the day of his wrath,” the monks sang with a lilting glee.
Brother George pointed to the lines in the psalm so Billy could follow along.
“This is like magic. It sounds so pretty,” Billy whispered into his ear. “But I feel scared... I don’t know why.”
Brother George sang the next line alone. He sang it with a