“It is with utmost regret that we are gathered here today. I’m not sure who said these wise words, but it is most fitting. There is nothing sadder than a parent having to bury their child, especially if the child is not yet dead.”

The pastor waited, looking at the mourners, expecting any kind of response. What he least expected was glares and the sense they wanted to kill him. He panicked.

“Excuse me a moment.” The pastor briskly walked, then ran through the hallways. He opened the door, and was greeted by full-on autumn, reds, yellows, and oranges strewed about, so crisp and brittle. He walked, crunching with each step, up to the thinnest tree. He slowly banged his head on the trunk over and over again, mumbling, “Know your audience. Too soon is always too soon.”