He has been crying. A girl in a white dress walks with him. They move slowly as if they are underwater, and for a moment Nathan is mesmerized by the sight. A preacher talks in Roy's ear, offering comfort. The girl in the white dress strokes Roy's hair. The fact of the church service has lent her radiance; the white dress makes Nathan think this is their wedding, but no, there are no other signs, no car decorated with streamers, no showers of dry rice. It is only a white dress. Here is Evelyn with Roy. Roy lifts his head.
Now a lot of people crowd the churchyard. The sky over the steeple is flushing pink. When Nathan steps out of the woods, they all see him.
Nobody knows him but Roy. For a moment he can only stand there.
Roy releases Evelyn's arm, gently insistent. He walks toward Nathan with only a little hesitation. She follows him for a few steps. It may be that she calls his name, but there is a lot of noise in the churchyard, as the piano strikes up "Standing on the Promises."
Roy calmly walks toward Nathan. When he is close enough to be sure of what he sees, he runs.
