16

               "I hate to say it, m'am," Father Feinstein said casually, "But he kind of set himself up for that."

Father Feinstein grinned, staring at the building's skeleton under the tarp. As a priest, he felt proud

when he saw skeletons. They helped to justify his career.

               Suddenly a truck drove up in front of the covered building. Father Feinstein stopped breathing

and his eyes opened up like they actually had something to see-- the word "GOD" was printed across

the truck's side. A man got out of the truck with a small package, and walked around the back of the

building. A few moments later, he came back empty-handed. As he climbed into the truck, Father

Feinstein noticed what his eyes had missed the first time. Printed next to "GOD" on the truck's side

were the words "Guaranteed Overnight Delivery."

               That explained the truck, but Father Feinstein's stomach was still tingling. He cursed himself

for never considering the question. "What isthat building?" he wondered.
 
 

IV

               Father Feinstein kneeled by his bed in his underwear. Those three letters were burning in his

brain like the image of the sun in his eyes.

               GOD

               Like the sun, the letters wavered and changed colors, from red to orange to yellow. The

anxiety Father Feinstein felt in his stomach that morning had now spread into his chest and arms.

What if the new building is another church? What if another priest with as much money and as few

scruples had come up with a better marketing promotion? What if his congregation falls for it? Father

Feinstein's hands trembled.

               "In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, Amen."Father Feinstein

clasped his hands and timidly glanced at the ceiling. A piece of peeling white paint, which at that

moment was the omnipotent creator of the universe, looked down in disgust.

               "I didn't mean it!" Father Feinstein pleaded aloud. "It was for their own good!"The ceiling

hung menacingly above him. Shadows of unknown origin flared on the ceiling like black flames. He