by Emily Austin
Gilda, who can’t stop thinking about death, goes to the local Catholic church in response to a flyer for free therapy. Father Jeff assumes she’s here for a job interview and hires her to replace his recently deceased receptionist, Grace. Gilda isn’t even Catholic and is too embarassed to correct him so she takes the job. Grace’s old friend has been trying to reach her through the church’s email adddress so Gilda, who feels sorry for her, responds pretending to be Grace. What harm can it do? Turns out Grace’s demise is suspicious and the police come around asking questions. I loved Emily Austin’s ability to lay bare what disconnection and loneliness feel like. And, of course, she does it all with humour and gentleness.
I'm an artist and teacher from the Ottawa Region. When I'm not creating