Everywhere

         Sarah didn't believe in God. As she stumbled through the ornate church doors, however, she wasn't sure where else she could turn. She could hear the sound of joyous singing echoing throughout the room.

         Her eyes darted around, her vision blurred by tears falling from her chin. Church goers looked around at her in surprise, startled by her sudden appearance during their Sunday congregation. She tripped, nearly falling flat onto the floor, and stumbled quickly towards the altar.

         Once there, Sarah finally collapsed, her head falling back, her mouth opened in a silent moan. Her eyes stared blankly. “Please, God! Help me, please!” She repeated this twice, her voice cracking.

         The priest bent down in front of her, placing a hand softly on her shoulder. “What's wrong?!”

         In the following silence, Sarah thought she'd finally found a safe place; freedom. Staring at the priest, wanting to confide in him, she found her voice constricted by something. She felt the horrid brush of an unseen fingernail upon her face, leaving a trail of cold hopelessness and blood behind it.

         The hollow voice sounded in her head: “Still here,” followed by a hauntingly echoed laughter that only she heard.

Word Count: 200

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