Cross roads

"You are alone", hissed the other. "Who would lower themselves to be with you?"

"Jesus!" It surprised Tony to hear himself say it, out loud. "Jesus!" He said it again and added, "and the Holy Spirit and the Father of Jesus."

"The father of Jesus". The hulking creature spit the words. "You hate the father of Jersus. He killed your parents; he crushed your mother." He took a step closer, gloating. "He murdered your only son, took him screaming and kicking into oblivation. He ignored every prayer you prayed. How can you trust such an evil being who would kill your innocent son like he did his own?"

"I don't!" bellowed Tony, and as he said it, he knew it was true. 

A look of triumph crossed the monster's face. 

Tony lowered his gaze, glancing quickly again at Grandmother, who still stood like a statue, unwavering. "I don't know him well enough to trust him, but Jesus trusts his father, and that's good enough for me."

The false Tony, large and formidable, began to shrink. His features caved in on themselves, his clothing hanging loosely from his body, until he stood a mere shadow of his former self.

Wm. Paul Young