“HORSE BLINDERS”

The funeral for Evan's brother-in-law had concluded two hours ago. And now a small group of grieving family and friends were gathered in Evan and Shaylie's home to share memories, laughter, tears, and encouragement. The front door opened again. Nothing unusual about that, people had been arriving every few minutes. But this guest was different, those nearby immediately noticed her and turned to watch her en - trance. Which then attracted the attention of everyone else. As she hesitantly stepped through the door, her slight body moved with a slow awkward gait. Her tense shoulders rounded for - warded as if to protect her from painful blows. Both hands clutched the small handbag she held in front of her as she moved only a few tentative steps forward, then dwindled to a stop. As the host, Evan came forward to greet her. He reached out his hand, introduced himself, and welcomed her into his home. He didn't recognize her, but he assumed she was a friend of someone in the family. The anguished eyes that met his were darkened with an inner turmoil as she quietly spoke to him. Something was very obviously troubling her, and he assumed the cause to be the sudden death of his brother-in-law. So he quickly turned to search through the guests to locate his wife. Hoping that kind lady would come to his rescue.