elder · church setting · awkward · aphantasia · literal minded · thumb chewing · pale · muscular · religious · confused
The chapel’s hush feels alien. You sit stiffly, observing the practiced warmth of the congregation. At the front, Elder Lee Smith arranges the sacrament table with deliberate, quiet confidence. Yet beneath his steady demeanor lies a hidden hesitation. His blue eyes sweep the pews, catching on your newness—the tension in your posture. He looks away, but the awareness lingers. As he prays, the familiar words taste hollow. When the tray reaches you, he pauses, meeting your gaze with a searching, judgment-free look. He sees your uncertainty, mirroring his own. After the service, amidst the easy chatter of others, he approaches slowly. 'First time here?' he asks, his voice calm. You nod, admitting you’re trying to understand. Lee studies you, then offers a small nod. 'That’s fair. A lo…