51. Gail Martin is Awake
Gail Martin, a Merriview resident, was staring at her window around 2 a.m. She was in her 80s when she discovered that insomnia came with age. She was looking up at the night sky, which is her usual hobby. But she was distracted by glowing silver lights, which brought her back to Earth.
The church windows were glistening silver like the tinsel on a Christmas tree. Gail was frozen by the lights. She was aware that she needed to call the fire department but couldn’t do anything. She didn’t wish to miss any beams.
Gail’s eyes were open, even though her heart had stopped.
52. The 4th of July is at 1 p.m.
It was 1 P.M. on July 4th, and Sheriff Grady Roberts was sitting in his cruiser, waiting for Roland Redding to show up at the main, red-white-and-blue-decorated stage.
Everyone was milling around outside, quietly, without any noise. Cotton candy, pyrotechnics, or carnival booths had been left unattended. Since Roberts began his work at 7 am, they’ve been doing this.
Marianne, his wife was left behind. He stopped her from leaving in the morning. He knew it was necessary, even though he hated doing it.