Chapter 8 Summary

The story picks up on the night that Reverend Hickman has mentioned, and Bliss remembers the preparations that preceded his coffin performance. Bliss is lifted into the coffin by one of the deacons and takes his place with his stuffed toys in one hand and his little Bible in the other. Bliss can feel the jostling movements of the men who carry the coffin down the aisle toward Reverend Hickman. The Reverend will provide a verbal signal for Bliss to arise from the "dead" in time with the sermon's message.

Bliss can remember the panic and fear that washed over him, as he waited to hear the knocking signal from one of the coffin bearers that Bliss is not alone. Everything is black inside the pink lined box, even his white leather Bible and white suit. Bliss has tried to block out the...