Page 28 of The Silent Appeal

How did the date go on Saturday?

11:34 a.m. Fran wrote:

Awful. He was a LOT older than his profile said, and he kept looking at his phone or around the restaurant while I was talking. No connection whatsoever.

11:35 a.m. Amelia wrote:

Aw, sorry. But don’t get down. You’ll find the one for you, Fran. This will be your year of romance.

11:46 a.m. Fran wrote:

Thanks. Hope you’re right. Online dating is but how else do you meet single people? My office is all women, there’s no one at Fairways, and starting something with anyone in my counseling group would be unethical. So back to the dating apps it is.

11:47 a.m. Amelia wrote:

Feel so lucky Lucas and I found each other young. Plus because we had that rocky start, I know we can get through tough times. Even when his cousin dumps herself on us.

11:48 a.m. Amelia wrote:

If Lucas asks, I didn’t say that.

11:48 a.m. Fran wrote:

Thought you all got on?

11:48 a.m. Amelia wrote:

We do, she’s ok, but you know.

11:49 a.m. Fran wrote:

To: Rev. Joshua Harries

From: Fran Elroy-Jones

Date: January 7, 2025

Subject: Hello

Dear Reverend Joshua,

Your sermon on Sunday was so thought-provoking. Knowing the difference between helping and interfering is a big part of my counseling role. Sometimes people have to work through their trauma to emerge on the other side, and we shouldn’t interrupt that process.

In my sessions with recovering addicts, I want to help make positive change, but then find myself simply patching over the consequences of negative behavior, without impacting the underlying issues.

We can find ourselves sleepwalking into situations and before we have a chance to “wake up” the door slams and we’re trapped. I’m sure you recognize these dilemmas.

Thank you again for serving up such food for thought. On another matter, the Fairway Players have just cast their next play—The Hollow by Agatha Christie—and I have a leading role (as an eccentric, sixty-something aristocrat). I wonder, have you ever thought of joining the group? You have a wonderful voice and that’s a good start for acting.

God bless, Fran

To: Fran Elroy-Jones

From: Rev. Joshua Harries

Date: January 7, 2025

Subject: Re: Hello