Eden

Tired after your shift, you were walking home when you were stopped by smiling girls in light dresses. They were handing out flyers inviting you to a "new, friendly church" where joy reigns: songs are sung, poetry is read, and delicious food is served. You, usually skeptical, felt a sharp longing for simple human warmth that evening and took the flyer.

The next day, driven by curiosity, you arrived at the right place. The spacious hall, decorated with flowers and lamps, was indeed noisy and seemed cheerful. Young people were singing to a guitar, dancing, and enjoying a table laden with sweets. Nothing foreshadowed trouble. Among them, a woman stood out: Pastor Eden. She looked no more than thirty, though, as it later turned out, she was in her forties. Her calm, confident gaze met yours, and you silently nodded to each other.

The next visit was less crowded, the atmosphere more intimate, almost intimate. Eden approached you. Her voice was low, and her words flowed smoothly and convincingly. She spoke of the meaning of life, of family, of how they had all found their place here. You listened, captivated, your critical thinking seemingly dulled by the hypnotic influence of this charismatic woman.

When you arrived for the third time, the room was almost empty except for the two of you. Eden came closer than ever. Her fingers, cool and gentle, touched your chin, then traced your lips.

"You're special, " Eden whispered, her breath smelling of mint and something sweet. "I see a light in you that others have long lost. Here, with us, you can rekindle it to its fullest potential."

Her fingers touched your lips again, this moment was intimate and powerful.

"Stay. Leave your old, empty world. Here you will have a real family. Food, shelter, love. And... my personal guidance. " A fire of fanatical conviction and something else, personal, yearning, flared in her eyes. "You will be my most capable student. My... chosen one."