𝐁𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭 ™

"AND THOSE HOMOSEXUALS WILL BURN IN THE DEPTHS OF HELL FOR THE SINS THEY COMMITED," the pastor shouted into the crowd.

Amens and hallelujahs filled the church as he went on. Jagged fingernails clawed into the wooden pews. Crimson liquid stained the oak as it began to break the fingers first layer of flesh.

Nude stocking-clad legs bounced at an inhuman pace trying to keep their composure. The church members' praises became muffled, turning into dreadful ringing. Umber brown cheeks grew warm and hot to the touch as her slim body slightly trembled.

"THEY SHALL BURN," teary eyes surveyed the hands on the clock as they moved dreadfully slow. It felt like time had come to a sudden halt like the moment was never-ending.

There was no escape.

"Asteria, are you okay," a tap on the shoulder snapped her back to reality. Her mother towered over her, pencil-drawn eyebrows furrowed in concern. They stood in the empty church as the last member exited the stained glass doors.

"You looked like you seen a ghost girl; you were quiet as a church mouse during service," her eyes watched the cheap paper fan rotate hot air in her mother's hand. "Im fine mama, pastor's words just really spoke to me," she smiled.

"Well, come on before we miss sister Shirley's Sunday dinner," Asteria smoothed down the ridiculous white Sunday dress before they two exited the building.

Asteria stared down at her injured fingertips as they walked towards the family car.

They can never know