The Man

The church was no longer sacred.

It was loud, trembling with whispers, fear, and confusion. The priest had stepped back from the altar, clutching his Bible like a shield, and every head in the room was turned toward Tessa and the stranger standing at the door.

Richard stood tall, angry but not wild. His eyes were fixed on Tessa, steady, accusing, filled with years of something that looked like pain and rage knotted together.

Tessa looked like she could barely breathe. Her lips trembled ...