Reed walked down the stairs and into the kitchen. He was met with Venn sitting at the table, fidgeting. Normally this wouldn't have been surprising at all, but this was different.

Venn wore a white blazer that was a tiny bit too small and black pants. His signature rose stood out like blood against the white. He'd taken the time to comb his hair free of any tangles and it shone in the light.

Reed paused, blinking in surprise. "What's the occasion? Taking Brielle to a fancy restaurant breakfast?"

Venn shook his head and stood. He tugged on his sleeves. "No. I'm going with you."

Reed managed to not look completely shocked. "Oh! Well, goodness knows I can use you at my side any day. Where did you get the blazer from?"

Venn hesitated. "It was one of Shale's. I didn't think ahead." He grimaced.

Reed nodded, but gave no reply. The white wasn't much lighter than Venn's usual skin tone and made him look a bit like a specter. He didnt make any comment on the appearance. It was clear Venn was nervous about something.

After a moment of silence, Venn got up. "We should be going. Dont want to be late."

Reed stopped Venn before he could pass. "Wait. You're not doing this because you think it will make me happy are you?"

Venn met Reed's gaze. There was something different in his eyes. A kind of peaceful determination. "No. I'm doing this for myself. I've given it a lot of thought."

Reed nodded and stepped back. A small smile spread across his face. "Well good. Just making sure."

The trip to the church was a silent one. Venn was so lost in thought, he didnt say much. Reed didnt push to ask him why he was fidgeting so much.

They arrived just as the songs were starting and made their way to Reed's usual place next to Mrs. Lane. Venn stayed silent through the songs, not trusting his voice to be steady.

The band finished their songs and two chairs were pulled up on stage. Peter walked up, carrying an extra microphone. He greeting the congregation.

"Now today I have something different planned. There's someone here who wanted to share his life story and then sing for us." Peter smiled and looked around the room.

Venn sat in silence just long enough for people to whisper curiously. He got up, ignoring the surprised looks from Reed and Mrs. Lane. He stepped past Reed and walked hesitantly toward the stage. He knew the blazing white drew the attention of everyone and was beginning to regret choosing it.

He jumped over the steps, landing smoothly at the top. Peter handed him the microphone. The moment it touched Venn's hand, his nervousness vanished. He stopped feeling like everyone was judging him. It was just him and Peter and... something else. Venn didn't need to look to know that the figure he had seen on his first visit was standing behind him.

Peter smiled and gestured for Venn to sit. "Now, I don't believe even I know your name, so how about we start there."

Venn sat down, leaning back and adopting his usual lounging posture. "I'm Venn Drake. You might have heard of me due to the fact that my best friend and I are dead."

This earned a quiet laugh from some of the audience.

As Venn began to tell his life story, he felt as though he were watching someone else. The words came easily. Things he had difficulty telling Reed flowed out of him like water. The way he told his life story held everyone spellbound.

There wasnt a dry eye when he finished. Peter wiped his eyes before he spoke. "That's quite a rough life you've had, Venn. I would love to talk to you more, but we need to wrap it up. How about we all pray for this dashing young man?"

Peter pulled Venn up and led him down to stand before the stage.

Knowing people would gather quickly, Reed bolted to his feet and ran over. He stood close at Venn's right protectively. Venn moved closer to Reed as people gathered around him. Mrs. Lane pushed her way to stand on Venn's other side.

Venn closed his eyes and tilted his head back. He felt freer now as Peter began to pray. He didn't listen to the words Peter spoke or the words anyone else added. He hadn't felt this good in years. An easy smile spread across his face and he let out a long breath.

At long last, he had found peace.