Cruel laughter rang in my head. “Aw, String-bean,” Dennis cooed in mock sympathy, “I’m ashamed. I thought you had better balance. But I’ll let you practice tonight, & test you tomorrow. Maybe during lunch, on a table?â€? I felt the pressure lift off my back, so I got up & ran towards the church. But as soon as I got up, someone tripped me, & kicked my side, knocking the wind out of me. I got up & sprinted towards the church again, cruel laughter ringing in my head.

After long last I reached the church doors. Breathing a sigh of relief, I pulled open the heavy oak doors and went down toward the simple altar. I kneeled in the first pew, my eyes up on the stained glass showing the Blessed Mother and Our Lord, fighting burning tears forming in my eyes.
“Good afternoon Alex,” a warm voice rang through the sanctuary.