The silence in the church office after Susan’s departure felt heavy, almost sacred. Richard stood still for several minutes, his thoughts spinning, his heart pounding faster than his breath.
He knew he hadn’t done anything wrong, yet guilt clung to him like a shadow. The kiss replayed in his mind again and again, each time leaving him more uneasy.
That night, he couldn’t sleep. He paced the small space of his room, praying, repenting, and asking God for wisdom. “Lord, did I fail You?” he whispered, his voice breaking. He didn’t respond to temptation, but the thought that someone could have seen them made his chest tighten.
By morning, his fears became real. Rumors began to spread within the church walls. A cleaner had seen Susan leaving his office with a mocking smile and adjusted dress, and by the next service, whispers filled the congregation.
“Did you hear what happened between Pastor Richard and that girl that dressed seductively to church few Sundays ago?”
“God forbid! I always knew she would bring trouble.”
The elders called Richard in for questioning. He stood before them, composed but deeply grieved. “Nothing happened,” he said firmly. “She came under the pretense of seeking counsel, but she only meant to distract me. I admit I should have been more careful.”
Though some believed him, others exchanged doubtful looks. Charles, hearing the rumor, burst into laughter when they met later that evening.
“I warned you, Richard,” he said, smirking. “You wanted to save a runs girl, now see where it’s gotten you.”
But Richard didn’t respond to the teasing. His face was calm, though his eyes were weary.
“She’s not the enemy, Charles,” he said quietly. “She’s just lost. I’ll keep praying for her.”
That night, Richard went on a three day fast, not only for strength to stand firm but for Susan’s salvation. He prayed that God would turn what the enemy meant for evil into something that would bring her to repentance.
Meanwhile, Susan heard about the rumors too, but instead of feeling triumphant, she felt something heavy in her chest. For the first time in a long while, laughter didn’t come easily.
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