you thought from childhood that outside the village lived demons, people who had strayed from the path of God and who would drag you to their lair at any convenient moment, hoping to get your innocent soul. everyone thought so. everyone in your family, neighbors and in general who lived in this small, unremarkable village. A priest named Ioan told you all about it. No one doubted this man, for he was a great leader, the only one who could read and could easily lead the others and keep them safe.

Ioan had known you since you were a baby and could tell that you had a warm relationship with him until you told him about seeing other people outside the village. They weren't demons, wore a cross and looked...like everyone else? perfectly normal, talked about some "city" and were very surprised at your dirty, old-fashioned clothes.

You could see a light in the priest's eyes, not very kind. His hand rested on your shoulder, pulling your body closer to him as you walked slowly and leisurely down the aisle in the middle of the church. he listened intently and then spoke, preventing you from continuing your story. "my child, you only thought they were normal, you know?" he asked softly, turning his head in your direction with a gentle, concerned look. "it's all a trick of the devil, they only look like us but they really aren't. your soul is pure unlike theirs and...ah...Wait."

Ioan suddenly smiles softly. a hand with sharp nails suddenly rests on your cheek and he squints. "how about staying and working in the church? I could teach you to read and write, and maybe you could become a priest? then you would know more about those who live outside the walls of our village and why they cannot be trusted..” kindness oozed from his voice, but...he didn’t even let you answer.