Riley blinked, a bit shocked by her words.
'I didn't expect them to approach me so fast,' he thought, eyeing the girl from head to toe.
She stood there with that same gentle smile, her orange and red robes flowing softly in the wind.
Her blond hair framed her soft face, and her hand still held the pamphlet out to him with patience.
She tilted her head slightly, as if trying to ease his hesitation.
"I understand if you don't want to join right now," she said kindly. "But will you at least come over to the church… even if it's just once?"
Riley's gaze dropped to the white pamphlet.
He gulped, his throat tightening for a second.
He let out a quiet sigh and shook his head. "I'll have to refuse."
For a moment, the world felt still.
The woman didn't move, standing still for a few seconds.
"…What do you mean you refuse?" she asked.
Her tone was still soft, however, a sharp glint flashed across her eyes.