5:21 p.m. Passion Ministry

“Why’d you do that?” Jimmy cried.

“Jimmy, you’ve got to listen to me.” John blocked the boy’s view. “Jimmy! You must believe me... I love you.”

Jimmy punched the remote control. The screen flickered. John slapped the TV’s power button. Blackness returned.

“I hate you!” Jimmy shouted. “I’m not your son. I don’t even know who or what I am! According to them,” he screeched, pointing to the television. “I’m a freak!”

“No, Jimmy, no! You’re—”

Jimmy vomited. He retched until John feared he would throw up his lungs. John hit the panic button and shoved the emergency bronchodilator into his son’s mouth.

“You’ve lied to me my whole life.” Jimmy squeezed out the words. “You’re not my father. I don’t know who you are. Go away. I’m never ever gonna listen to you again!”