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The church doors opened and Chad walked in followed by a man in a black suit.
“Ah, I love churches.” The man in black said as he grinned. His English accent inflected his amusement.
Chad’s face was haggard, worn, and laden with whiskers. He stopped inside the doors and looked at the pews to his left and right. The back half of the church was empty, usual for Sunday night service. He spotted his wife and their two kids in the front row on the left side, praying as Pastor Mike led them. Chad shuffled into the back pew on his right. The man in black sat next to him and leaned into towards Chad’s ear.
“Let’s not stay long.” His grin revealed rows of glistening white teeth. The man in black’s hair was slicked and his skin tan.
“Remember, your precious Merlot. “ The man moved his arm around Chad and twirled the hair on the back of his head.. “You love how its dry sweet warmth helps you feel at peace every night, don’t you?” The man in black moved closer, his mouth brushing against Chad’s ear, still grinning. “It’s what I love about you, Chad. You seek refuge in yourself rather than ethereal fixes.” The man in black leaned back and surveyed the congregation in front of him. “Not like the pretentious laments of these poor fools.” The man in black’s face grew smug and his arm grasped Chad around the shoulder, pulling him close. “No Chad, you’re in control. You bow to no one. It’s your strength.”
Chad moved his hands to his ears and muffled them.
The man in black frowned. “Are you listening, Chad? Perk up now.” He patted Chad on the face twice, smartly, and then grabbed Chad’s chin and shook it. He laughed and then let out a bored sigh. “I think it’s time to move on. Shall we?” The man in black moved towards the end of the pew but then stopped, realizing Chad was not following. He gazed at Chad queerly and then moved closer to Chad again.
”Shall we?” His voice was deeper, intent.
“I can’t do this.” Chad murmured.
“Can’t do…..what?” The man in black’s eyes squinted at Chad.
“It’s time.” Chad breathed deep. “I have to go. I have to go now. I can’t wait any longer.” Chad stood up.
The man in black smiled. “Good show!” He stood up and clapped Chad on the back.
They moved out of the pew. The man in black turned toward the church doors, but stopped, sensing again that Chad was not following. He turned and glared wildly as Chad walked the aisle toward the cross.
The man in black moved two steps towards Chad and then was blocked. He looked down for a restraint but found none. His eyes shot up, desperate.
“Chad! What are you doing?” He spat quickly.
Keep going. Chad heard a voice say.
“Shut up! Don’t listen, Chad. You don’t want this!” The man in black looked down and saw his feet moving backward against the floor. He reached out and grabbed a pew, but felt the force of the pull stretching him back. His face grew fierce in rage. The slick hair on his head grew wild in frenzy.
“It’s too late, Chad! They will never take you! You know that!” The man in black’s fingernails grew long and scraped against the wooden pew.
Come home, Chad. It’s never too late. You’re almost there.
Chad’s wife turned and saw her husband walking past her. She moved her hand to her mouth, her eyes gleaming with filling tears. Pastor Mike stopped his prayer and looked up hopefully at the man walking toward him.
“No, Chad! You’re mine! You belong to me!” The man in black was thrown back against the church door. His face was pulled back as if the very gravity of the earth was pulling him outside.
The doors burst open as Chad knelt in front of the cross. The man in black screeched as his nails dug into the door. His face was bright red and his eyes pitch black. He heaved breaths in as if the power pushing him back was sucking out the oxygen from his lungs.
The man in black lunged forward and spat with tight hating lips. “No. I am not done!” Then he was swept back with a final push as Chad prayed and was gone.
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