Cautious

Chapter 2. Goodbye Seattle

It was Sunday, September 11, 2016. Quincy, a recent graduate of high school, and his family were heading down the highway to his final church service before leaving for college. His mother turned down the Kirk Franklin playing over the radio.

"Man, today's your last day before school."

"Yeah, I can't believe it, this summer flew by!" Quincy exclaimed, leaning forward to comfort his mom from the back seat.

"You better call us every day," his sister said sarcastically and hysterically.

"You know I will," Quincy said to her with assurance.

"Just make sure you hit those books. Don't be wasting our money," his dad said sternly while pulling into the church parking lot.

"I will, Dad!" Quincy said.

Quincy got out and walked through the arched doors. His church was in the heart of the Central District in Seattle. All the leaves on the surrounding trees had turned yellow and orange and begun to plummet to the ground. It was a warm afternoon, and they had arrived at a great time in service. The choir was singing their final selection before the pastor would give the sermon.

"If it had not been for the Lord on our side."

"Ohhhhh, ohhhh, on my side!"

"Where would we be?"

"Ahhhhhhhh! Tell me where!"

"Where would we be!"

As the choir finished, Pastor Ross rose and strode up to the pulpit as the choir returned to their seats. Everyone throughout the sanctuary stood to their feet and continued to sing until he spoke.

"Yes, yes! Where would I be? Where would you be if it had not been for God on our side?"

Many of the saints were clapping their hands. A few of them were still singing and playing tambourines, the musicians decrescendoing and crescendoing their notes as a lady in the back started to shout.

"Yes! He's worthy of all the glory and all of the honor."

A gentleman in the back yelled out before running around the sanctuary a few laps. Everyone else just continued to clap and praise. And after a few minutes of praise and worship, the pastor prayed and began his sermon.

"First, I give honor to God, who is the head of my life. I'd like to say I'm glad to be in the house of the Lord one mo' time. 'Cause he brought me from a mighty long way."

"Yes, sir!"

"Come on, pastor!"

He adjusted his suit and tie.

"I coulda been dead, sleeping in my grave... But God!"

"But God!" The church yelled in unison.

"Ayyy!"