AFTER ... Audrey's Story — Leslie Johnson

Audrey Taylor refuses to believe her daughter is dead when the police arrive with the news. Her God, the one she had served faithfully since childhood, would not let that happen. When she realizes it's true, her faith shatters, and she seeks to understand why He didn't save her daughter from a murderer. Surely, someone in the family is a sinner and caused God to turn away.

Unable to find a scapegoat, she lashes out at everyone. Her anger grows when she learns that her husband, who had not been a believer, has changed and is now attending church. Her fury stems from the fact that, for years, she prayed and pleaded with God for this to happen, yet his conversion cost her daughter's life.

Infuriated, she asks her husband to leave, knowing that she is dangerously close to fracturing her family forever. She gives him a last-minute reprieve but demands that no prayers be spoken in the house. A new friend becomes her confidant and, as she pours out her pain, she finds that acceptance isn't too far from denial.