If it had been up to her, Merriam would have given up. Would have let Terry keep her and just given up. It seemed odd that she wanted to go insane. Would it have been easier then? But self-preservation had taken over – two sides of her mind were fighting, and it looked like she would lose.

Lips parched, darkness enclosing the lids of her eyes, and still her legs pressed on – making one agonizing step after the other – obeying the part of her that wanted her life back. She could not believe her rebellion – wasn’t this what Terry had taught her? That disobedience gets you nowhere? It was rebellion that drove her to sin against this angel. Terry never deserved any of this, and he stayed with her. All the time, he stayed with her. Teaching her. Loving her.

No! He trapped her!

She flinched. What could she do now? The irritation was building on her, grinding at her feet, clawing at her tongue. She wanted to let go of rationality, of truth. Wanted to accept her sin and be redeemed – but damn if this voice wouldn’t leave her alone!

Her black skirt shuffled around her legs and clinged to them – begging her to turn away from this holy place – as she opened the church door. There was one silent man in a pew and an older woman in the back near the door, who’s face was a smudge but who’s look was clear – one of those like a school girl, mischievous and taunting. The woman in black noticed the curious, smudge-faced gaze and looked away.

The priest exited a small room from the side and slowly dragged his weak legs to the alter. He placed his bible on the splintering surface and wrote something. The woman noticed his small frame made darker by the giant illuminated cross above him. He took off his glasses and lifted his head.

By the entrance, was the shape of a familiar woman staring at him. Hastily he fumbled for his glasses, shoved them through his fine hair and squinted back up at her. She made a move as to inch forward but stopped herself.

The priest tried to hide his limp as he swiftly moved towards her – sweeping past each pew with certain nervousness. “Merriam, what is it? Where have you been?”

“Father, I’ve…I need to talk to you, alone.”

“Certainly. In my office?”

“No, please, in the confessional. It feels safer there.”

Father Henry opened the door on the right to allow her in, closed it behind her and took his seat eagerly behind the left one.

“What is all this?”

“Father, you remember what I told you before? When I came here to confess?”

“Yes, Merriam, but that was a little bit of a while ago.”

“I know, I know. I’m sorry.”

“It’s been months since I saw you last. When I went to your house to see what was wrong, Terry said you and he had joined a newer church.”

“My husband…my husband has put on a very convincing mask lately.” She sighed, turned and put her fingers through the diamond bars gripping them painfully, “Father, I would never betray you!”

“My child, you would not betray me or anyone else by attending a different church. God is happy if you stay with him – no matter where you are in body, you are there with him in soul.”

“That’s beautiful father. But I have not felt like I am with him at all since I left here.”

“What do you mean?”

“I have lost faith.” She took her hands from the bars and, sobbing, covered her face.

“What on earth is wrong child?”

“Terry! Terry! He called it Quarantine!”