Stage lights blazed. The praise band jammed freestyle as the choir returned to their pews. Arms outstretched Senior Pastor Sam lifted his hands for quiet. He gave Sandy, the head usher, a subtle nod. Sandy smiled as she uncovered the gold collection plates.

Ten ushers stood in unison and gathered the plates. As the band wound down the ushers took their positions in the aisle. Sam surveyed his congregation, their energy crackled and popped.

“Brothers and Sisters, Sister Willow is going to update us on her journey with cancer, her healing with God’s love, can the church say amen, so open your hearts to her testimony,” Sam said.

Head shaved but with expertly tweezed brows and lush lashes, Willow stood under a baby spotlight. Willow drank in the anticipation. Her friends, her small group ministry, these were her people. Corbin gave her a thumbs up from the first row of pews.

“I’m complete garbage.”

The congregation gasped.

“I mean I’m a total liar and you’re all idiots for believing me,” Willow said and then slapped her hand over her mouth.

Accusations flew from the outraged parishioners. The words erupted around Willow’s fingers.

“Look at me, do I look sick? Corbin and I are sick of working for a living. I never felt good enough. I thought getting a husband and having babies would make me enough. Pretending to have cancer made me the special I needed. I want your money, I want the freebies, but I need your attention. “

Sam grabbed her and dragged Willow from the sanctuary.

“The pastor takes 25 percent of your gifts but he only tells the first lady he’s taking 10 percent because he has a love nest with the music director! Corbin, help. Why am I saying this!”

The pastor’s wife fainted. A drum rolled down the aisle. The lead soloist smacked the music director repeatedly as he raced offstage. The words “love me love me” howled from the pastor’s study as congregants ran amok.

Gabby pulled out of the church’s parking lot and headed home. Her ex Corbin had always called her a little witch and for once he was right.