The Sunday sermon has never been this long and excruciating for Aubrey. The whole congregation solely listens to the Pastor as a hum of approval echoes from every corner of the room. People nod at the preacher's messages, eyes glowing with agreement. Everyone is content. Everyone, except Aubrey.

Despite the cool summer breeze that gusts through the partly open stained-glass windows, Aubrey can't stand the heat that comes out of nowhere. It urges her to keep shifting in her seat. The tile floor is burning her feet, the wooden pew is smoldering her legs, and every word that slips through Pastor Marlon's lips ignites a flare of anger within her for no reason.

"We, the children of God, are placed in this world to carry a holy task: to bring the light to our surroundings. Darkness is looming over us, alluring us, tempting us to question our Creator, to raise our skepticism toward Him, and eventually to deny Him. But remember one thing, as long as we stand together, hand in hand, we build an abiding light. Therefore, we leave no room for the darkness to claim its spot."

The bile rises in Aubrey's throat as nausea hits her stomach. Beads of sweat are forming on her forehead and dripping down her cheeks. Her heart pumps so fast that it's getting hard to breathe and causing her vision to blur. She needs fresh air. She needs to get out of here.

"Isaiah forty-one, verse ten: So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. We are bigger than this world, we shall stand strong against the darkness because we are standing in God's grace. In the name of His Holy Son, Jesus Christ, we have all the strength we need."

"Are you alright?" Bob, who is sitting next to her, asks in a low tone when Aubrey unintentionally tightens her grip around his wrist. His eyes are fixed on her face, studying her.

"No. I'm not. I need fresh air."

Without asking more questions, Bob picks up Aubrey's bible from her lap and sticks it into the small bookshelf attached to the pew. He secures his hand around her arm before quietly escorting her out of the church building.

"You look like you're going to faint," Bob says once they are outside. He guides Aubrey to a metal bench in the church front yard. "Wait here. I'll grab some water for you."

Aubrey shakes her head. "No need. I just need fresh air. Thanks, Bob." She closes her eyes while she sits up straight, both hands clutching the edge of the bench. With that, Aubrey tries to focus on her breathing, inhaling as much air as possible.

"You're so pale. Maybe it's the flu. Everyone is getting it nowadays."

Aubrey's breathing starts to get steadier even though she still fights the urge to vomit. When the tightening in her chest eases up, she shakes her head, careful not to trigger nausea. "No, it's not the flu. Maybe I'm just too exhausted from studying and I didn't have enough sleep last night."

Bob sighs. "Bree, you know you can't do this to yourself. Remember what happened the last time you pushed yourself over your limits."

"Nah, it's nothing like that."

"How do you know? You've been acting weird lately, too. Something is off," Bob argues. "Maybe you should start seeing my mom again."

Faintly, the familiar growl is awakened inside her, bringing back the discomfort in her chest. "I don't know what you're talking about. And Pastor Marlon is almost done with his preaching. You should get back inside."

Bob and some other guys from the church youth community are performing today, and they are scheduled after Pastor Marlon's preaching. Bob definitely knows he has to head back inside, but the boy looks reluctant to go. He shifts on his legs while rubbing the back of his neck. "Do I need to get Lorraine for you?"

"No. Don't." Aubrey massages her temples as the queasiness is creeping back in. "I'll just head home after this."

"By yourself? No way. Look at you! If you walk home alone like this, you're as good as dead!" Bob glances at the church behind him. "I'll get Lorraine."

Aubrey's breathing is picking up pace again. Her eyes shoot open as she hears herself growling. "I SAID NO!" The words roll off Aubrey's tongue but she doesn't recognize her own voice. She then snarls at her best friend.

Bob stands rooted to his spot, too stupefied to move. He opens his mouth as if he's going to say something, but he speaks no words. His eyes are wide as saucers, glued to Aubrey's face.

"You better run inside now, gospel boy. The closing prayer is finished in three... two... one–" Aubrey sneers "–chop, chop."

After several seconds of staring at each other, Aubrey feels a sudden blow of air hitting her inner chest, prompting her to clutch her stomach and cough.

"Bob! There you are! Get back inside now. It's our turn!" A feminine voice calls from the church's direction.

The pair immediately turn their heads to the source of disruption and find Lizzie standing in front of the building entrance. She's wearing a knee-length botanical sundress and a white knitted vest. Her wavy blonde hair dances in the air as the wind sweeps over.

"I'm c-coming," Bob says once he finds his voice again. He reverts his eyes to Aubrey, looking hesitant. "Umm, I gotta go. Are you sure you're alright?" When he sees Aubrey nod, Bob begins to take some steps backward, still eyeing her with caution. "Stay here, will you? I'll be right back when we're done with the choir." With that, he turns on his heels and jogs toward Lizzie.

"Is everything alright, Bree?" Lizzie asks, the concern evident in her voice. Despite being involved in the same community, they've never been close friends, but Lizzie is always the caring type.

Aubrey forces a smile and clears her throat. "Yes, of course. I was just a bit dizzy and needed some air. Good luck with the performance!"

"Thanks. I hope you feel better soon." Lizzie smiles before turning around and following Bob inside.

The boy holds the door for Lizzie as he takes another glance at Aubrey. A mix of curiosity and fear coats his grey eyes.

***