What's next?

Prayers

And you both did commit. You both debated religious issues in her classes at the university. You both read and privately debated passages. And you both prayed, side by side on the rug, on your knees and heads touching the rug.

You prayed. For happiness for Carrie. That she'd give you her favor. That you'd please Abdul. That your body would be what Abdul desired. You prayed for femininity. To belong with Carrie and Layla. You wanted it so badly. You started to cry. You started to surrender.

You stayed that way for a long time. Prostrate, submissive, in surrender to your new faith. It felt like when you finally stopped, Carrie looked at you anew -- as a sister.