The two-faced Saint

2.

You moved from the city to this little village; you had enough of the busy streets and crowds of people. You start to move the heavy boxes into their respective rooms, your arms trembling under their weight. As you put the last box in place and wipe the sweat from your forehead, you hear a knock on the door. Hesitantly, you open it, and a young girl stands in front of you, smiling sweetly.

"Hello, new neighbor," she chirps. "I want to welcome you and bring you a gift from my mom."

She holds out a small box of cookies; the fresh scent of chocolate and butter fills your nose.

"Thank you very much," you say with a smile, taking it from her hands, the contents still warm.

"You're welcome! And I should remind you that we always go to church to listen to Father Sukuna every Sunday. So be there."

She waves goodbye, turns around and hums a tune as she hops down the pathway.

"Father Sukuna..." you repeat quietly. A very interesting name for a priest. You decide to go there on Sunday to take a look at him, but for now, you need to unpack; a frustrated sigh escapes your lips.

On Sunday morning you get ready to go to church, your anticipation growing. All those new people, especially Father Sukuna, intrigue you to no end. You want to know what kind of man is hiding behind this name.

You leave your house and already see the townspeople streaming out of their houses, without saying a word to each other. It doesn't look like a walk, it looks like a march. You discreetly follow them and fall into line, trying not to attract attention.

You enter the church through the heavy oak doors. The colorful light shines through the glass windows and dances through the middle of the room in dusty pillars. Father Sukuna is already in position, his hands resting comfortably on the wooden pulpit. His eyes wander slowly, scanning the people filtering in.

When he spots you, the corners of his mouth twitch slightly. The glow in his eyes sends an unpleasant shiver down your spine. He doesn't look at you like a priest looks at his community.

He looks at you like a wolf that has found his next meal.