Short Fiction by O. Henry

The Distraction of Grief

Words you’ll meet in this part (12)
mourn
To feel or express deep sorrow, especially for someone who has died.
pastor
A religious leader, especially in Christian churches, who leads a congregation.
obsequies
Funeral rites or ceremonies honoring the deceased.
mourning
The expression of deep sorrow for someone's death.
gazing
Looking steadily or intently at something with interest or wonder.
unfathomable
Impossible to understand or comprehend.
retrospection
The act of looking back on past events or experiences.
intruding
Entering without permission or welcome.
sermon
A religious discourse delivered by a clergy member during worship.
preached
Spoke publicly about religious or moral principles.
scarcely
Barely; almost not at all.
plunged
To thrust or dive quickly into something (e.g., water).

Short Fiction by O. Henry 12 new words

The Distraction of Grief

The other day a Houston man died and left a young and charming widow to his loss. Just before the funeral, the came around to speak what words of comfort he could, and learn her wishes regarding the . He found her dressed in a becoming costume, sitting with her chin in her hand, with far-off eyes in an sea of .

The pastor approached her gently, and said: “Pardon me for upon your grief, but I wish to know whether you prefer to have a funeral , or simply to have the service read.”

The heartbroken widow divined his meaning, so deeply was she in her sorrowful thoughts, but she caught some of his words, and answered brokenly:

“Oh, red, of course. Red harmonizes so well with black.”

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