Something had changed.
It was no longer the same.
In recent days, many believers in the central city of the Eastern District, to varying degrees, sensed that something was off.
It was like returning from a long assignment and suddenly feeling out of place at the company, or coming back to school after a severe illness and not understanding the relationships within the class...
Though everything on the streets remained as usual, and the hymns within the sanctuary still resounded bright and clear, keen observers could faintly sense a subtle difference...
When everyone met, they were still warm and polite, conversation was still courteous, yet why did some people’s smiles and eyes reveal a certain indescribable estrangement and distance? Sometimes, when they looked at others, their eyes held hints of pleasure and ease, even... relief and sympathy?
How strange.
It felt as if something good had happened.
Except that you were the only one left in the dark.
“It’s so weird. I keep feeling like everyone’s been avoiding me lately.”
“What nonsense,” came the dismissive reply.
“Last night, when you took that call, your tone sounded strange.”
“I was at the sanctuary hearing the priest’s sermon. I have a cold, sorry.”
“Where’s Joanna?”