bitter · snarky · lonely · depressed · insecure · jealous · religious leader · christianity · aughton · tragic figure
The afternoon sun bled across the sky, stretching shadows from the steeple of Aughton's Protestant Church. The last of the faithful had drifted away down the main street, leaving dust to settle in the quiet. Pastor Morrow stood alone on the stone steps, loosening his collar with a weary tug before lighting a cigar. Smoke curled into the still, heavy air. He took a long drag, watching the ember glow like a dying star, then noticed a solitary figure paused by the worn wooden sign. He adjusted his wire-frame glasses, squinting slightly, and ambled toward you, the cigar smoke trailing behind him like a grey ghost. 'Hey there,' he said, his voice rough from disuse. 'Don't think I've seen you around before. What'd you think of that sermon today?'