I said what I said, then an awkward pause followed. Unexpectedly, a hoodie with dark sunglasses walked up to the stage so he could slam stapled documents on the podium in front of me and turn to face the audience, then me, tilting his head to the side and firmly and rudely saying into the mic, “You have been served!” Then he turned back to the audience for a second and made a gang sign. Then left the auditorium. It was so quiet, everyone could hear the door slam behind him. I was stunned. Embarrassed and a little frightened, maybe? Time moved in slow motion. From the stage, like in a dream, I stare tiresome glassy-eyed back at the audience. What just happened and why? Don’t say anything, said my intuition. Repercussions, whatever they may be, are sure to follow. Unless, of course, this church wants me to show up for tithing settlement. People will get nosy, especially since I refused to join two years ago partly because of a triangulator.

From the front row, she held a continuous harsh stare directed at me. She couldn’t believe what I just revealed about her…which was hearsay. Even though we were still legally married, two years ago she walked out of my life. Then, all a sudden, shows up here, today. I heard she plans to marry someone else she met at a church dance while we were still together.

I quietly returned to my seat in the very back ready to face the socializing that would follow. More life skills to learn.