She was usually so cheerful on the weekend…

Every Saturday, she always got out her door with a grin, going over her shopping list. Headphones on, she would walk happily through the streets, maneuvering around any person that walked her way. She would get baking ingredients, sweets, and food for the whole week.

This weekend thought, she did not feel like baking. She did not wear her headphones, for all happy songs felt sour and pointless. Nothing would cheer her up, so she did not try or bother. Her steps were automated, from memory. Before she knew it, she was 4 streets away from the small convenience store. The hour walk did not feel pleasant, but a drag, a chore. As well, she would hate the usual return.

“I should have taken the bus.” Routine will cheer me up, she said. I will forget yesterday, she said. “I can’t wait to finish this course and go back home…”

No friends, no family. Little old lonely Samantha, thinking she would be fine in a town deep in the bible belt. Just to save money, thanks to her scholarship.

Indeed, she had never fit in. Not since she finished high school back at home. Glancing subtly, she passed by the church in the opposite street. She felt slight envy for the crowds gathered at the doors, their social life an easy task thanks to such gatherings.

“If only I…”

She stopped. With a small flinch, she concealed herself at a corner, behind a lightpost. Her eyes opened with disbelief, and soon with grim understanding.

Michael’s figure, nearing the gates of the church.

She stayed hidden, frozen, wanting to leave, yet unmoving. A grimace grew on her face, more and more, with each second Michael stood there by the gate. He was leaning his head, pondering like he usually did.

“Don’t go in, don’t go in, Michael. Don’t-”

He was not her friend anymore. He made it clear when her hopeful whispers died in her mouth, when he stepped into the building.

She hanged her head low. With one last glance, she gave her back to the church. Torn, she did not feel like shopping at all. She could go by with the scraps in her fridge.

Unknown to her, Michael did not venture much past the gates.

He stood there, eyeing the interior from the shadows. Every row of benches was full, and each row got his usual blank stare. The hanging crosses made him lean and look upwards, his neck arching back. Finally, it was the loud pastor who got most of his attention. He walked a few steps closer, between the benches.

Any other person would have not done so. Multiple churchgoers blinked, surprised by his unbothered approach towards the podium and stage. He would have caused a scene and went all in and in front of the priest… if not by the fact that somebody grabbed his arm and pulled him sideways and down. In a blink, Michael found himself seating on a bench, right besides the one who pulled him in, away from what he was doing.

“Shh.”

Michael stared at Kyle. Kyle stared back. A silent agreement was reached, thanks to Kyle’s intense raise of eyebrows and his hand signaling. Somehow, Kyle’s demeanor seemed inviting, his expression surprised but eager.

It was not until the pastor finished talking and preaching loudly, that Kyle dared speak, the service not done yet.

“I am really surprised to see you here.”

Michael leaned his head. He gave a passing glance to the surrounding people, who were now calling and interjecting with the pastor. He commented, expression blank yet with a hint of interest.

“I am curious. You made me want to research more.”

Kyle rubbed the back of his neck, relieved, but blushing slightly. Their exchange that day had not been all that pleasant, and he had some regrets.

“Yeah… maybe I did not express myself as best as I could.” Micheal’s eyes went wide, he tensed in surprise, when Kyle laughed and patted his back jokingly. “But hey, I got you to think and come, didn’t I?! That’s good!”

Kyle’s eagerness and hopeful words did not seem to get into Michael. Recovered, even if still baffled by the slam of Kyle’s hand, he voiced his intent.

“I have many questions.” Michael’s eyes seemed to show something, an emotion Kyle’s took for faith. “You did not answer correctly when I questioned you.”

“Again, sorry! You… kind of freak me out sometimes.” Kyle stood sharply and enthusiastically, wanting nothing more than to bring him closer to his faith. “But no problem. Let’s wait a few minutes and our pastor can answer everything you wonder! I’m just so glad to have you here, you know?”

Kyle got a few approving whispers from the surrounding crowd, all believing they would soon have a new member in their group. Meanwhile, Michael ignored most of it. His eyes fixed on the pastor, who was now laughing and shaking hand with people. His mind ran wild, inpatient to voice all its doubts, wonders and facts.

After a while, when Kyle raised a hand and pointed at the pastor, he stood. His steps were direct, determined. When his questions came out, he received encouraging answers… which only made him dig deeper and inquire with flaming wonder. The pastor soon had trouble answering, either because of lack of clarity or because of the subject.

Michael’s pondered each second he talked with the pastor, his face emotionless, yet his heart beating with determination.

He understood much more that day. Too much.