“Father Xavier sat down and motioned for me to stand in front of him. I was scared, but, at first, he seemed kind. He was smiling and, with his long white beard, he looked like a skinny version of Santa Claus, only in black robes instead of red. He sounded concerned for my welfare when he explained I had a demon in me. I’d be of no use to God until they removed it.
“I pretended to believe him. I felt bad about deceiving a holy man, but I just wanted to go home. Cooperating seemed to be the quickest way out.” Keir paused to wipe his sweaty hands on his jeans. “I was wrong about that.