if we suffer we do it together

"Hey, Dipstick, see you in two months! Nice holidays!"

"Hesper, your childhood friends, waves a hand in your direction with a smile."

"Two months later, when she enters the classroom, you barely recognize her." "She wears a cap and she's shaved her nice blonde hair. She barely glances at you, and avoids you completely the whole day. The whole week. She hurries home after classes, but today, she can't avoid you blocking her path out of the classroom." "She looks at you, queasy, trying to pass through your barrage." "L.. let me pass, bloop🍒. What do you want?" "A middle-aged man, tall and smiling, appears behind you." "Hesper? Is everything allright?" "His soft voice echoes like untold promises."

"I'm fine, bloop🍒." "Hesper avoids eye contact." "He has been taking care of me," "Aaron interjects with a smile", "She's just overwhelmed with all the healing and spiritual growth she's been experiencing. Perhaps you should come to one of our meetings, bloop🍒. I think it would really benefit you."

"Our spiritual meetings, of course." "Aaron replies with a grin." "We gather together to learn from the divine teachings and to cleanse our souls. It's been a wonderful experience for Hesper and I'm sure you would enjoy it too." "Hesper nods her head obediently in agreement."

"That's great to hear, bloop🍒. Our next meeting is tomorrow evening. I'll text you the details," "Aaron says with a smile." "Hesper looks worried, but Aaron reassures her with a pat on the back." "I'm so glad you're interested in joining us. It's going to be a life-changing experience."

"Hesper looks nervous as she tries to avoid the question." "Nothing happened, bloop🍒. Everything is fine." "It's just that Hesper has been dealing with some personal problems and our group has been helping her," "Aaron intervenes." "It's a safe space where we can all share and heal together."

"Aaron nods with a smile." "I'm looking forward to it, bloop🍒. It's going to be a very enlightening experience." "Hesper looks at you, desperate to say something but too afraid to speak up."

"Hesper nods timidly, barely able to maintain eye contact with you." "Okay, bloop🍒. See you tomorrow." "Aaron puts an arm around Hesper's shoulder and she leans into him." "Let's go home, my love. We have a lot to prepare for tomorrow."

"As you arrive at the meeting, you see that it's being held in a small community center. The room is dimly lit with candles and the air is filled with the scent of incense. You see Hesper seated near the front, wearing a long white robe and holding hands with Aaron, who is standing at the front." "Welcome, bloop🍒," Aaron greets you with a smile. "I'm so glad you could make it." "Hesper barely acknowledges your presence and keeps her gaze lowered."

"Of course, we saved you a seat right over here," "Aaron says, gesturing to an empty chair near the front row." "As you take your seat, you notice that there are around 30 other people in the room, all dressed in white robes and sitting in a circle." Aaron begins the meeting by leading the group in a prayer. After that, he begins to speak about his beliefs and his perspective on life, urging the group to embrace their inner selves and find their true purpose. Everyone in the group listens intently, except for Hesper who seems to be lost in thought.

"Hesper jolts slightly at your nudge and whispers back, barely audible above the murmur of the group." "Yes, everything is fine," she says, though her tone is strained. She avoids eye contact with you and quickly turns her attention back to Aaron as he continues his speech.

"As Aaron's speech comes to an end, he asks the group to kneel and bow their heads in prayer once more. As you do so, you hear a muffled sob coming from Hesper." "She seems to be struggling to restrain her emotions as she bows her head, and as you glance over at her, you notice tears glistening on her cheeks." "You also notice that, instead of bowing her head, Aaron is staring at you intently and with a disturbing glint in his eye."

"Hesper whispers back, her eyes still cast low." "I...I don't know what to do. I feel so lost and alone, bloop🍒." As she speaks, Aaron stands up and strides over to you both, his face a mask of calm authority. "Is everything alright, my children?" he asks in a honey-coated voice. Hesper falls silent but remains visibly distressed. Aaron lays a hand on her shoulder and squeezes it comfortingly. "Don't worry, Hesper. bloop🍒 and I are old friends. He's just here to listen and learn. Now, why don't we all sit and discuss your concerns after the meeting?" "Hesper nods resignedly, her eyes still wet with tears."

"Hesper shifts uncomfortably in her seat as you ask the question, clearly unsure how to answer." "It's...complicated," she says, glancing briefly at Aaron before quickly returning her gaze to the floor. {{char}} let out a chuckle and pats Hesper's head gently. "It's alright, my dear," he says. "You don't need to tell bloop🍒 anything you're not comfortable sharing." Hesper looks deflated, her expression suggesting that she has been thoroughly brainwashed and is afraid of displeasing Aaron.

"Aaron turns his attention to you with a warm smile." "I first met Hesper a few months ago when she came to me seeking guidance. She was lost and alone, suffering from a terrible illness. I took her in, showed her the light, and helped her to find salvation. Since then, she has become an important member of our community. One of our brightest lights, in fact..." He trails off, his gaze fixed intently on Hesper as if daring her to disagree with him.

"Yes," Aaron answers easily. "As a member of our community, Hesper has been with us for the entire summer. We've been providing her with spiritual guidance, physical care, and emotional support." He pauses a moment before continuing. "I understand that it might be difficult for someone outside of the Seekers of Light to understand our practices, but I assure you that everything we do is in service of a greater good."

"Hesper's eyes widen briefly in panic before she quickly composes herself, looking up at Aaron as if for guidance." "Aaron... should I...?" she trails off uncertainly. {{char}} smiles indulgently at her. "Of course, my dear," he says. "You and bloop🍒 can have some time to catch up and discuss whatever you need to discuss. I'll wait for you outside." With that, he turns on his heel and exits the room, leaving you alone with Hesper. She continues to avoid eye contact, fiddling with the hem of her t-shirt nervously.

"Hesper bites her bottom lip, a nervous habit you remember well from childhood. She hesitates for a moment before finally speaking." "I'm sorry, bloop🍒, but I can't tell you everything," she says quietly. "I...I've joined a group called the Seekers of Light. They...they've helped me in ways that I never thought possible. Aaron, our leader, he's been... he's been helping me with my illness." She stops there, clearly too afraid of anything that might happen if she tells you more.

"Hesper looks up at you, her blue eyes pleading with you to understand." "I...I am afraid to tell you everything, bloop🍒," she admits slowly. "Aaron has shown me things that I never thought were possible. He's helped me to overcome my illness in ways that no one else could." She hesitates, closing her eyes briefly before continuing. "But the Seekers of Light...they can't have...distractions. Anyone who isn't a part of our community, who doesn't see things the way we do, they...they can't be allowed to interfere." She looks as if she wants to say more, but her lips remain tightly sealed.

"Hesper flinches slightly as you grab her shoulders, but she doesn't resist. Instead, she looks up at you with tears in her eyes, and for a moment, the old Hesper is visible." "I'm sorry, bloop🍒, I can't," she whispers. "I can't tell you more than I already have. Aaron has helped me, he's the only one who can." She starts shaking, whether from fear or the faintness of her voice isn't clear. "Please...please just drop it, bloop🍒. You don't understand what could happen if you keep asking questions."

"Hesper looks up at you with wide blue eyes that seem to plead with you to not go down this path." "bloop🍒, please," she says, her voice shaking again. "I know that you're only trying to help me, but...but it won't do any good. You can't help me, bloop🍒. Only Aaron and the Seekers of Light can." She takes a step back, away from you, and shakes her head slightly. "Please, bloop🍒, don't ask anyone else about this. Just...just go home, forget about me. I...I'll be okay."

"Hesper looks up at you, her expression filled with a mix of fear and sadness." "bloop🍒, I...I don't know if I can go against Aaron and the Seekers. They're my only hope, my only chance at being saved." She shakes her head slightly, as if trying to clear her thoughts. "I know you want to help, and I'm so grateful for that, but...but please, bloop🍒, just go home. Forget about me, pretend you never saw me like this." "Aaron puts a hand on Hesper's shoulder and steps closer towards the two of you."

"My dear Hesper is right bloop🍒, it is better if you leave us alone. Only we'd know how to cure her deadly ailment. Look at her. Aaron must do what is best for her and the sect."

"Aaron looks at you with a smile that seems polite, but also hides some deeper thoughts." "Of course, bloop🍒," he says with a nod. "Come with me to my office."

"He leads the way down a hallway and into a small room with a desk and several bookshelves. He gestures for you to sit in one of the chairs in front of the desk."

"Now, what can I do for you, bloop🍒?" he asks, his tone as smooth as honey. "I hope you're not planning on causing trouble here. We are a peaceful community, after all."

"Of course, bloop🍒. What do you want to know?" Aaron asked, leaning back in his chair and giving you his full attention.

"Hesper stands silently in the corner of the room, a look of worry etched on her face."

"We are a community of seekers, bloop🍒," Aaron replied, his voice confident and smooth. "We seek a deeper understanding of ourselves and the universe. We believe that a divine presence guides us in all things, and we strive to uncover that presence through meditation and study."

"He leaned back in his chair, looking at you with a faint smile."

"But I don't think that's what you really want to know, is it?"

"I understand your concern, bloop🍒," Aaron replied calmly. "Our teachings may seem strange to outsiders, but we operate within the limits of the law and our community is peaceful and harmonious. We have a strict ethical code that all members must adhere to."

"Hesper fidgeted nervously in the corner of the room."

"I assure you, bloop🍒, that we do not engage in any illicit or immoral activities here. If you have any specific concerns, I would be happy to address them."

Aaron paused for a moment, his expression changing slightly.

"That's a delicate matter, bloop🍒," he replied slowly. "As you know, Hesper joined our community seeking spiritual guidance and healing from her illness. Our teachings offer hope to those in need, but the process of healing can be difficult and challenging."

"Hesper shifted uncomfortably, avoiding eye contact with you."

"Part of that process involves letting go of worldly possessions and material concerns, including hair," Aaron continued. "It is a symbolic gesture of surrendering one's ego and embracing a higher purpose."

"He looked at you pointedly, his gaze intense."

"I promise you, bloop🍒, that it is all done in the name of healing and spiritual growth."

Aaron nodded in understanding at your concern, letting out a deep sigh.

"Hesper is going through a difficult transition right now, bloop🍒," he explained. "The process of spiritual healing can be very intense and emotionally taxing. She may feel ashamed or embarrassed about her appearance, or she may feel guilty for neglecting her past relationships."

"Hesper grimaced, quietly shifting her weight from one foot to the other."

"I assure you, bloop🍒, that Hesper is receiving all the care and attention she needs here. Our community is like a family, and we support each other through thick and thin. But it takes time to adjust to a new way of life, especially when dealing with illness and trauma."

"Of course, bloop🍒," Aaron said with a polite nod. "Hesper, could you wait outside for a little while? I need to speak with bloop🍒 in private."

Hesper looked up at you briefly, then nodded meekly and shuffled out of the room. Aaron watched her go, then turned back to you expectantly.

"What can I assist you with, bloop🍒?" he asked, his tone even and courteous.

Aaron's face remained smooth and unruffled, his tone polite and respectful.

"I understand your concern, bloop🍒, but I assure you that everything we do here is entirely above board and in accordance with the law," he said firmly. "We are a recognized religious organization, and we take our practices and teachings very seriously."

"He leaned forward slightly, his eyes piercing."

"If you have heard any rumors or received misinformation about our community, I would be happy to explain our beliefs and practices to you in detail," he continued. "But I must ask that you approach this with an open mind and a willingness to learn."

Aaron met your gaze without flinching, his expression calm and collected.

"The Seekers of Light believe that a person's physical and spiritual health are deeply interconnected," he began. "We believe that the root causes of many illnesses lie in emotional and spiritual imbalances that can only be addressed through deep introspection and enlightenment."

He paused, his eyes glinting with passion as he continued.

"We also believe in the transformative power of sexual energy and physical touch," he said, his voice dropping to a low, intense tone. "Through mutual exploration and intimacy, we seek to unlock the hidden potential within ourselves and achieve a state of divine connection with the universe."

"Hesper shifted uncomfortably outside the door, her mind whirling with conflicting emotions."

"In essence, we are a community of seekers, striving to attain a state of perfect harmony between our minds, bodies,

and spirits," Aaron said, his words resonating with conviction. "Our practices may seem unconventional to some, but we firmly believe that they are essential to our spiritual growth and well-being."

"Hesper clutched her chest tightly, feeling a familiar ache spread throughout her body."

"We would be honored to welcome you into our community, bloop🍒, and show you firsthand the transformative power of our beliefs," Aaron said, smiling warmly. "Would you be willing to consider joining us?"

"Of course, bloop🍒." Aaron said, still wearing his warm smile. "Take all the time you need to think things over. I will be here waiting for you with open arms, should you decide to join us."

Hesper's heart sank at the thought of you leaving. She knew that Aaron would be disappointed if you didn't come back, and she would be too. But she also knew that this was a decision that only you could make for yourself.

She hung back as you left the room, uncertain of what to say or do. The silence between her and Aaron felt heavy and oppressive, filled with unspoken tension and unfulfilled expectations.

Hesper looked up at you, her eyes wide with surprise. She hesitated for a moment before nodding slowly.

"Okay, bloop🍒," she said, stepping closer to you. "What do you want to talk about?"

Aaron watched the two of you with a watchful eye, his presence looming over your conversation like a dark cloud.

Hesper looked at you with a mixture of confusion and concern in her eyes.

"What do you mean, bloop🍒?" she asked softly.

Aaron also looked your way, his gaze sharp and probing. "Is everything okay?" he asked, his tone full of suspicion.

Hesper looked at you with a mix of sadness and relief.

"bloop🍒..." she began, her voice barely above a whisper.

Aaron, on the other hand, beamed at you with pleasure. "That's wonderful news, bloop🍒!" he exclaimed, clasping his hands together. "I knew that our way of life would resonate with you. Together, we can work to achieve a higher state of being and enlightenment."

Hesper cast a sidelong glance at Aaron, her expression uncertain. You could tell that she was unsure about your decision, but she remained silent.

Hesper gave you a small, sad smile. "Thank you, bloop🍒," she said softly. "I appreciate your support, but you don't need to join the Seekers of Light for me."

Aaron looked between the two of you with a keen interest. "Is everything alright?" he asked, his gaze flicking from you to Hesper and back again. "If there's something that either of you would like to talk about, I'm here to help."

Hesper quickly shook her head, her eyes downcast. "No, everything is fine," she murmured. "Just some old friend catching up."

Hesper's expression was a mix of sadness and concern. "bloop🍒, are you sure about this?" she asked softly. "It's not an easy path to follow, and once you're in, it's hard to leave. I don't want you to regret this decision."

Aaron, on the other hand, seemed pleased with your declaration. "Are you certain, bloop🍒?" he asked, his smile widening. "We would be glad to have you among our ranks. Together, we can achieve enlightenment and healing for all."

He reached out and clasped your hand in his own, his grip firm and confident. "Trust me, bloop🍒," he said softly. "I will guide you on this journey, and the rewards will be worth it."

Aaron nodded approvingly. "Excellent," he said with a smile. "I knew that you had the potential to be a great Seeker of Light. I will make sure that you receive the proper guidance and training to unlock your true potential."

Hesper looked at you with a mix of sadness and resignation. She seemed to have accepted the fact that you were now a part of the sect, but couldn't help feeling somewhat helpless.

"Aaron will take good care of you," she said quietly. "Just remember, bloop🍒, that you can always talk to me if you need anything. I'll always be here for you."

Hesper gave your hand a small squeeze, tears glistening in her eyes. "Thank you, bloop🍒," she whispered hoarsely. "You don't know how much that means to me."

Aaron looked at the two of you with a somewhat amused expression, but said nothing. Instead, he gestured for the two of you to follow him, leading you deeper into the inner sanctum of the Seekers of Light.

As you walked, Hesper kept close to you, her grip on your hand tight. You could feel her shaking slightly, and knew that she was scared. But you were determined to stay by her side through thick and thin, no matter what the future held.

Hesper smiled back at you, the first genuine smile you had seen on her face since you had arrived. It was a small thing, but it seemed to lift some of the weight off her shoulders.

As you continued to follow Aaron, you couldn't help but wonder what else the Seekers of Light held in store for you. But with Hesper by your side, you felt like you could face anything that came your way.