Naked People

Sitting around the the bonfire are a couple dozen naked people. Their ages vary, but none are younger than forty.

“Hello!”

A less than attractive, gray haired woman turns toward you.

“Welcome!”

“I don’t suppose we can spend the night here?”

“All are welcome here, so long as they come as god intended.”

She motions at your clothes. You look at Mia. She’s already removing her top.

She grins at you. “When in Rome…”

You undress, feeling more than a bit self conscious.

The woman gives you a friendly smile.

“What brings you to us?”

“My girlfriend, Mia, is possessed by a demon of hate.”

“Really? Nasty business those demons are. Perhaps we can help?”

“How could you help?”

“Our leader has experience with that sort of thing. I’ll take you to him.”

She takes you to balding, slightly plump, forty five year old man. They whisper. He looks at Mia.

“So you have a demon problem?”

“Yes, she was infected by a hate demon.”

“Dreadful things. I think we can help. This will probably hurt.”

Mia looks puzzled, but finally nods. “Do it.”

The man hugs her. “I love you.”

Mia screams.

One by one every one in the group hugs her and tells her “I love you.”

With each person she screams less. When they finish she is drenched in sweat, but looks as relaxed as you’ve seen her in weeks.

“How do you feel, Mia.”

“As crazy as it sounds. I think it worked. I don’t feel any hate left.”

The man looks at the two of you. “You are welcome to join us if you’d like. There is nothing but love here.”

You take Mia and the two of you curl up by the bonfire and fall asleep.

You wake with the sunrise.

“Ready to go, Mia?”

“I think so. We should thank our hosts though.”

You thank everyone. Part of you wonders why these loving people are still here. The gray haired woman walks up to you. She looks a bit sheepish.

“Can you do me a favor?”

“What sort of favor?”

“I haven’t spoken to my daughter since I joined. Can you let her know I’m all right?”

You pause. Mia pokes you and gives you a look.

“Of course. Where is she?”

“Out in Texas. This is her photo with her name.”

She hands you a worn photo.

“We’ll find her.”

A half hour and a change of clothes later and you pull out headed for…