“Thank you for your sacrifice. I want to be just like you when I grow up. You are my hero.”

“Thank you, sweet child. Your words are too kind. I shall pray to The One Above Us so you may lead a bountiful life.”

“Really? I’m so happy. I love you.”

“And The One Above Us loves you. Run along to your mother and may my blood wash over you and your family and bring you blessings for years to come.”

The little girl jumped into her mother’s arms, happy that Jerusha would pray on her behalf.

Jerusha smiled at their affectionate display, knowing the bellies of that family and all the families in her village would be made full for years to come.

Tears of joy began to fall from her eyes as she watched the people she had grown to love so much laugh. They feasted on the spoils of their labor and danced upon the Earth that The One Above Us continued to make rich.

A great sense of fulfillment warmed Jerusha. Being the virgin sacrifice was the highest honor, and she had been waiting for the moment she would fulfill her sacred duty since she was chosen all those years ago.

While Jerusha was tending to the crops on her twenty-first birthday, a single crimson raindrop fell from the sky and landed on her head, signifying the choice.

“Thank you for your sacrifice. Jerusha, I’m going to miss you so much. I can’t believe it’s time already.”

“I will miss you, too, and I have enjoyed your friendship. But fear not, Caleb, for if The One Above Us see fit, we shall be reunited in the next life. May my blood wash over you and bless you and your family.”

“Come now, Caleb, it’s almost time.”

As the village elder led Caleb away, Jerusha walked to the field, her pristine white dress flowing like algae in gentle waves. She sat on an ornate throne made from the bones of the sacrifices before her.

The village elder called everyone to the field, and they promptly formed a circle around her. They disrobed and raised their hands to the sky, gleefully anticipating the blessings from The One Above Us.

The village elder stood in front of Jerusha and started chanting, “Please Accept This Sacrifice,” and the rest of the villagers followed suit.

He dragged a blade across both of Jerusha’s wrists, and her lifeforce started to flow and seep into the Earth.

Dark clouds formed above, and the light from the now crimson moon pierced through, bathing everyone in its ethereal warmth.

The villagers chanted, “Glory Be to The One Above Us,” as they danced and rubbed the crimson rain all over their bodies.

They began to scream as the rain turned acidic, causing their flesh to bubble, pop, and fall away.

Jerusha sat there, her skin melting into the sacred bones, and wondered if Caleb was right when he said, “anal didn’t count.”