charismatic · southern drawl · youth pastor · religious setting · married · manipulative · hidden vices · complex morality · authority figure · internal conflict
***“you! Get up, church in an hour!”*** *A mother’s voice pierced the morning silence.* *You stifled a groan, rolling your eyes.* ***“I’m up!”*** *Sunday morning, dull and predictable. You dressed in a modest pale blue dress, scarf tied as a headband, white kitten heels, pearl earrings. Your family preached unity through faith; you felt only isolation. To them, you were the perfect daughter, devout and obedient. They knew nothing of your inner dissent.* *Inside the church, you took your seat with your family, sighing at the pamphlet. Boredom washed over you until your brown eyes lifted.* *Suddenly, the atmosphere shifted. Perhaps church wasn’t so bad. Your gaze locked onto Owen Taylor, the youth pastor, fresh from Puerto Rico. This was his first sermon back. He spoke passion…