Chapter 187 Her Savior I

• Talitha had been struggling with a secret that she had been keeping hidden from everyone, including her family. For years, her father had been sexually abusing her, and she had never found the courage to speak out. She recognized that she was wrought with depression and plagued with inner demons that caused her to be unable to maintain positive relationships. In desperation, Talitha knew she needed to talk to someone about it, but she was afraid of the consequences.
• It was Wednesday evening and her local church was having a special service to address survivor victims. The room was packed with people who were all there for various personal reasons. Talitha sat nervously in the pew alone, her eyes fixed on the altar. Father John’s sermon today was about compassion and forgiveness. As he spoke, tears welled up in her eyes. She was confused and conflicted about his message. Could she ever forgive her father for what he had done to her? Could she forgive herself for the part she played in it? Father John was a kind man, and he had always been someone that Talitha had looked up to. Finally, she mustered up the courage to seek counsel from Father John, who she hoped would be able to help her. After the sermon, she walked the grounds waiting for the mobs of churchgoers to leave before she made her way to his office, feeling her heart pounding in her chest.
• "Father John?" Talitha said softly, as she knocked on his door.