When everyone stood to recite the Lord’s Prayer, the room
begin to spin and light begin to shine down from the ceiling.
As this was happening, the circle of elderly men and
women turned around and looked at her. She recognized
them all – old friends from the parish – older friends who had died.

The priest turned around, appearing to look right through her.
Laura fell to the ground, paralyzed.

The priest held a cross in the air as he spoke. “Lord in
heaven, I have assembled the elders of my church to pray for
Sister Laura. I ask you to raise her up and forgive her sins.
As your humble servant, she asks that you take her into
your house in heaven. Purify her soul, oh Lord, and assure
her eternal salvation for what she is about to endure.”

As the priest lowered the cross, a door from across the room
opened. Surprised she could move, Laura picked herself
up and raced inside. An lone man with sallow cheeks was
seated at a small table. He was holding a bottle.

“Daddy?” Sister Laura screamed.