Monday morning church, a m*a*s*h fanfic

Monday morning Church

(Based on a song by Alan Jackson)

The Bible lay on the dresser; it's softly worn leather a contrast to the crisp lacy cloth it rested upon. Daniel Pierce had walked past it countless times but only now had he truly noticed it. The sight had furthered his unease, a symbol of the God he could no longer able to talk to without raging.

This fact played on his thoughts as he stood looking, but not really seeing, out of the window. The view was of the familiar Maine coastline, itseemed to reflect his feelings; grey, hostle and hopeless.

Tucked comfortably in a corner beside the window was the piano. Daniel focused his attentions on it, and could almost hear the hymns their little family; He, Charlotte and their son, had sang. Now she was gone, and the piano had fallen silent. The keys, once milky white and deep ebony, were now obscured by dust. Daniel knew he should close the lid, but found somehow that he couldn't.

You left my heart as empty
as a Monday morning church
It used to be so full of faith and now it only hurts
And I can heart the devil whisper
"Things are only getting worse"
You left my heart as empty
as a Monday morning church

The solemn figure of a boy stood in the doorway. At such a tender age, barely ten years old, his blue eyes seemed to show more pain than others felt in a lifetime.

"Daddy" He finally spoke, breaking Daniel's thoughts "Father Johnson is here."

Daniel looked round trying to smile.

"Thank you Hawkeye, do show him in."

Father Johnson was a reed like man, with limp sickly yellow hair. Yet he commanded a surprisingly powerful presence and possessed what could at times be a powerful voice. Though at that moment his voice was softened with concern.

"How are you Doctor Pierce?"

"Just fine Father." Came the blunt response, Daniel had never been much of a talker, even in happier times.

"Well, that's umm, good. We missed you at the service, you and Benjamin."

Daniel wracked his brains to create yet another plausible excuse for missing Church yet again. After an awkward moment Hawkeye came to the rescue.

"I was sick Father." He said

Daniel gave his son a small smile of gratitude.

"Oh dear, I hope will be better for next Sunday... Jesus loves you, both of you."

Well Daniel had to bite his tongue. How could the Father say such a thing? Did Daniel even deserve Jesus' love now? The faithful man that his wife had know was no where to be found. Must have disappeared, when everything he believed in, was laid in the ground.

"Thank you Father." Was all he could reply.

They showed the Father out, then Daniel went into the kitchen to prepare lunch. Not that either felt much like eating. Hawkeye followed him.

"Daddy, do you believe in God?" He asked.

"I really don't know son." Daniel answered honestly.

A flash of panic darted across Hawkeye's face.

"But you still believe in heaven, right. That's real isn't it?"

Daniel turned to his son.

"Yes, yes it is. That's where your Mama is right now."

He rooted through the cupboard, but couldn't find what he was looking for.

"Oh damn we've run out of mustard."

"Without her around it seems like we don't have a prayer." He thought

"We'll be alright though Daddy."

That night, on his way to bed, Daniellooked again atthe Bible where Charlotte had left it on the dresser. He gently picked it up, opened a drawer, and placed it inside.