There was a dry erase board in the church displaying a list of studies and the names of new members in the process of completing them.

Ever since I was young, I was never satisfied with life.

When I came home late that night, the first thing I did was message my boyfriend in France: I’m breaking up with you.

The rug in the baptism room was soft under my bare feet as I shed my clothes and put on the robe they had given me.

The people there greeted me with smiles. Everything was muted and calm.