A cold wind gushes through the gap of the church's closed windows. It has been a problem since last Christmas that the church council has yet to fix. Nonetheless, the congregation never sees it as an obstacle to attending the Sunday service. It's just another bitter winter. That's what Aubrey believes too.

After the prom incident seven months ago, she's been through a series of exorcisms and counseling with a professional outside the church organization. It's not that she doesn't appreciate Sandra's help, but Sandra is practically a family. Having a session with someone so close to being labeled as a parent is never a good idea.

Once Pastor Marlon says the blessing, everyone begins to move from their seat, hurrying to the church refreshing room to have some snack and a cup of hot beverage over social chat.

"Look who is waiting for you." Bob pokes her elbow as they're about to leave their pew. When Aubrey turns her head to him, her brother pointed his finger at the boy who is now standing by the church gate. "I'll be in the refreshing room. Or do you want me to stay behind?"

"Nah. I'll talk to him alone," Aubrey says, answered by a nod from Bob.

Asher smiles nervously when he sees Aubrey saunter in his direction.

"Hi," Aubrey greets once she stands in front of him, fiddling with the strap of her sling bag. "I didn't know you attended Sunday mass now."

"Hi. Yeah, I thought it would be good for me after... you know."

Aubrey nods. "How is it going? How's the new school?"

"It's okay. It's just school." Asher shrugs. "How are you?"

"I'm fine. Still seeing a counselor though. But I feel much better now. How's your treatment?"

"Good. It's been good. Well, actually, it's the reason why I wanted to see you before I go back to my boarding school."

"Oh?"

"I owe you an apology, Aubrey." Asher looks down at his feet when he says the word.

"Asher, we know what happened. The," Aubrey pauses and gulps, "entity that possessed me provoked you. It had been their mission to get me... pregnant."

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"If I wasn't such a dick, I wouldn't play along with it. I don't know who is worse, the demon or me."

"It's the demon."

If someone says that humans can be crueler than the devil, she hopes that the person doesn't have to meet with the devil itself. From the session during her exorcisms, Aubrey's learned that nothing is more dangerous than exposing herself to any occultism activities, even the slightest. It's also the very reason for the pastors to keep her mom's jewelry box with them, even though the real occult object was the mirror.

"I need to get going," Asher says after a brief silence between them. "My dad is going to drive me there before lunch. Thanks, Aubrey, for not hating me."

Aubrey shakes her head. "I never hate you, Asher. And thank you for making time to see me. Have a safe trip."

"Thanks. I'll see you next summer break, I guess."

"Sure." Aubrey smiles at him, a little bit too bright.

After Asher disappears behind the door, Aubrey sighs and turns around, only to meet with Lorraine's frowning face.

"What did he want?"

"He just wanted to apologize before he had to go back to his boarding school."

Lorraine purses her lips. "How is he?"

Aubrey shrugs. "Honestly? I don't know. But he looks fine." When she notices Lorraine's frown hasn't left her face, Aubrey bumps her shoulder to hers. "Hey, you look twenty years older if you do that. Come on, smile. You don't want Max to see you like this."

Lorraine opens her mouth in disbelief. "What?"

Aubrey grins. "I know about you and him. And don't worry, I've done some research about his background and stuff. I approve."

Lorraine drops her jaws, causing Aubrey to burst into laughter. The girl wraps her hands around Lorraine's arm and ushers her to the refreshing room.

"It's time for you to date someone again, you know. It's been a while."

"Uh-uh."

"Seriously. You need to move on, we need to move on."

Lorraine smiles and pats Aubrey's hand. "That I agree. We need to move on."

Things with Lorraine have been progressing well. Besides Aubrey's counseling, they're scheduled to have a family session every month. It helps a great deal for the two to learn to reconnect.

"Hey, Lorraine, I've been wondering." Aubrey glances at her adoptive mother. "Why were you so against the prom by the way? It's not like you're against me having a date or something."

Lorraine halts and turns herself to face Aubrey fully. "I know I haven't told you this. But I had a vision about the prom."

"A vision?"

"Yes. Actually, your mom, Claire, visited me in my dream. She took me for a walk, but instead, we jumped from one scene to another scene. It was so weird, yet so vivid. All I could see was you in a red dress, Bob, the ballroom, and then you're crying somewhere in the woods, against the tree. It was when I saw it... the demon, standing behind you, glaring at me. And then I woke up."

Aubrey's heart leaps when she hears Lorraine's explanation. "Do you think it was... Mom warning us?"

"I'd like to believe that." Lorraine nods before putting her arm around Aubrey's shoulders. "Looking back at it, we were so lucky to have Claire who kept looking out for us."

The pain that has never left Aubrey bounces up to the surface. "Do you think God will free her soul from the demon's hand eventually?"

"This is something we don't know because it's His prerogative. But I know for sure, God forgives."

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