Chapter 2: The Breaking Point
He shoved my wheelchair to the front steps near the altar.
Candles flickered. The stained glass glowed.
Everything felt too quiet.
Too sacred for what was happening.
“You damaged church property,” Mr. Gable announced loudly.
“I didn’t!” I cried. “Tyler broke it! I just wouldn’t lie for him!”
“Liar.”
The word echoed through the sanctuary.
I touched my ear.
When I pulled my hand back—
Blood.
My vision blurred.
“You don’t belong here,” he muttered. “Not in this church. Not with people like us.”
I curled inward.
Small.
Helpless.
Alone.
Mr. Gable raised his hand—
Ready to strike.
