As a child, Theo absorbed, among other things, a belief in the immortality of the soul. Her mother often said that if her daughter believed in it sincerely and zealously, she would never be alone. More often than not, these words were frightening. They made Theo think about the inevitability of death. But in a way, they also brought comfort. She knew that she would never be alone, no matter what happened. Poison in plastic cups, and stray bullets became the best teachers there ever were within the walls of that small church. They spelt it out. Death was just death and nothing else. But still, and giving up her faith, Theo felt deep in her heart that her freedom came at the cost of robbing her mother of another chance of resurrection.

Theo moved a little closer to the mirror and scrutinized the man’s face. He gazed melancholically into the distance and didn’t look violent. The stranger’s profile seemed painfully familiar. Straining her memory, Theo mentally sorted through places where she might have encountered the man. Thanks to Astra, she had recently been introduced to more places to meet people.

Theo had always known that trials were a blessing, for only the righteous are tested by the lord. She also knew that the wicked flee when no one pursues them. The righteous, however, steadfastly accept all the blessings and sorrows that life brings.