The rain starts drizzling again as soon as I exit the mall. I am on two minds about whether to make a run for it or take my chances. Perhaps if I take the leap I might develop gambler's luck. Then again I can risk it and end up ruining two pairs of shoes in one day. What to do? What to do? Make a mad dash for it, the inner me shouts. And the rain, having inside information about what's in store, puts a hundred down against me. At first, it simply teases. But soon enough down comes an outpouring with a grudge. I try to outrun it then give up midway and let it have its way with me. So what, Matron! Who cares about these ugly shoes and this disgusting life anyway? I want the rain to drench me, pound me until my whole existence gets erased.
"That's what I like to see," a man's voice says. "A woman who loves the rain."
"What?" I spin around to see one of the hopefuls. "Who the hell are you?"
"Some call me the priest."
"What the hell kind of nickname is that?"
"It's because I sell holiness, straight from the angels," he replies and dives into his bag of tricks, rambling on. But nothing he says can pull me away from staring at his skin. The hopefuls are not like the rest of us. Not only do they live in the most hated part of Leer Island but they're proud of their flaws, blocks of rough skin sitting proudly next to smooth patches like a chessboard, open for anyone to play on. And he is no different, bearing his skin shamelessly as though advertising for products that don't work.
"I'm not interested," I blurt out and run off without further explanation.
"Don't worry, pretty lady," he shouts to my back. "Leer Island's a small place. I'll find you."
YOU ARE READING
NINE TIME MACHINES: Do you want to undo your entire life on planet earth?
FantasyThere is a war coming! In it, Lilith and the impostor God must battle for all human minds on earth. But one girl can stand in the gap for all humanity. However, to prove worthy for this feat, Mary must begin shadow work to take the mark upon herself...
