The meeting continued. The next song was sung. Scriptures were read. Comments were given on the study article. The familiar rhythm of worship settled over the hall like clean water over stone.

By the time the closing prayer was offered, Samuel felt renewed.

But renewal, he knew, was not the same thing as exemption from pressure.

Outside, people lingered in clusters beneath a clear sky. Nathan was speaking to another child about animals on the ark. Sasha stood a little apart with two sisters near the edge of the walkway.

As Samuel approached, he caught only the end of the conversation.

“…well, they said all the major groups are involved.”