BROKEN INNOCENCE

to Pastor Isa's office. With each step, the sense of foreboding grows, and for the first t

om is bright, with large windows letting in the morning sun. Pastor Isa, a man in his earl

me in, my dear. It's alw

at ease. She sits down across from him, n

work, Kira. You've been doing an excellent job at the mini

ightly, humbled

I just want to serve

e, Kira. But I must share s

e gets angry and tries to destroy that person. And when he can't destroy them, he tries to distract them. And if he can't d

ning to race. The weight of his words

can use anyonethose close to you, even those you tru

looking at

ng you'd like to share with

emories of Pastor Jonathan's words and actions flood her

g to share. I'm just

ugh there's a hint o

oor is always open. If you ever need to talk,

ds replaying in her head. The warning about the devil's tactics strikes a chord deep within her. She fee

no matter what, she will stay true to her calling. She

votions when her phone buzzes with a message from t

r Jonathan's house this evening to celebrate the work well

particularly excited about attending, but she doesn't want to

de and sees her fellow colleagues and younger ministers gathered, eating, drinking, and dancing. The atmosphere is

in the corner, encouraging everyone to enjoy themselves and be free. Her unease grows, but she's s

made it! Come on, l

She follows Elizabeth, but her mind is still reeling from everything she's seen

e warmth and liveliness of the atmosphere. The other

le but with a hint of disappointment) Kira, it's abou

ah, you know our Princess Kira had to make her grand ent

f the ladies playfully nudging Kira as

really sorry, everyone. I didn't mean to keep you wa

brace, her voice now soothing) It's okay, Kira. We've

sks, the scent of cooking filling the air. But before long, Pastor Jona

what are you still doing in here? You're missing out on al

than's enthusiasm is infectious. They exchange glances, then

e dancing wildly, some of them clearly drunk, their movements erratic and unc

n) Come on, ladies, don't just stand there! Dance

es the scene unfold. Some of the men, now clearly tipsy, begin to touch th

nd in disbelief. She pulls out her phone, trying to dist

e Mrs. Milah approaches,

tinged with worry) Kira, have you seen Eliza

eah, she was just here... I didn't notice wh

the yard, a frown forming on her lips) Com

contrast between the noise outside and the silence inside is almost eerie. As t

steps slowing as the sounds become clearer) D

ossibilities she doesn't want to consider. She swallows hard

rozen in place, neither willing to take the