"God loves you but not enough to save you,"
In the small town near Austin, Texas, Nora Gibson is trapped in a life of rigid expectations and silent suffering.
As the preacher's daughter, she endure the mental and physical abuse of her father while...
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The last few weeks had been a blur of routine and unspoken tension. Each day felt like a balancing act, with Nora trying to maintain the perfect image her father demanded while wrestling with her own growing doubts and fears.
The only moments of relief came when she can steal a few minutes alone with Ellie, her unwavering support a lifeline in the storm.
One evening after school, she found herself in her usual spot on the porch, the soft hum of cicadas filling the air. She hugged her knees to her chest, staring out at the darkening sky, her thoughts a tangled mess.
She was wearing a nice white mini dress, modest yet elegant, with her hair braided into two sides and adorned with white ribbons.
She had managed to keep up appearances at church, attending every service, helping with every event, but the pressure was becoming unbearable. The weight of her father's expectations pressed down on her like a vise, and each day it grew tighter.
Suddenly, an unfamiliar truck parked in her driveway. Nora watched as a middle-aged man with a salt-and-pepper beard and black hair stepped out. He had a ruggedly handsome look about him, and as he saw her, a charming smile spread across his face. He stood there for a moment, then walked towards her with an air of confidence.
"Evenin'," he said, his voice a smooth drawl. "Is this Father Gibson's house?"
She nodded, standing up and smoothing her dress. "Yes, it is. Can I help you with something, sir?"
He chuckled, the sound deep and rich. "Well, aren't you a polite one? I'm lookin' for the Reverend. Is he around?"
She nodded again, trying to ignore the flutter in her stomach. "He's inside. I can call him for you."
As Nora turned to go inside, he called after her, his voice teasing. "You know, you've got a real pretty smile. Brightens up the whole place."
She felt her cheeks heat up and forced a polite smile. "Thank you, sir. I'll be right back."
Inside, Nora found her father in his study, poring over his notes for Sunday's sermon. "Dad, there's someone here to see you."
Your father looked up, frowning slightly. "Who is it?"
"I don't know, but he's outside waiting," she replied.
Her father nodded, rising from his chair and heading towards the door. Nora followed him, her curiosity piqued.
The man was waiting patiently on the porch, his hands in his pockets. As her father approached, he extended a hand with a broad smile. "Reverend Gibson, pleasure to meet you. I'm Naomi's cousin, I assume she already told you?"
Her father shook his hand, a wary look in his eyes. "Ah, yes. Nice to meet you, Mr. Smith."
The man leaned in slightly, lowering his voice conspiratorially. "I was hopin' we could have a little chat. Got some things I'd like to discuss."
