In Paradise, Sundays meant one thing: church day. With the syndicate’s weekly routine of sweeping the city for outsiders, churches became the safest havens and attendance was almost a requirement.

Leslie gazed at her reflection and she steeled her nerves for her plans. With over half the city's population gathering at the cathedral, she felt a surge of boldness; today was her chance to make a statement. “Leslie? It's time to go,” her half-sister, Anastasia called out.

“Coming! I'll be right down.” As Leslie took one final deep breath, she emerged from her room and descended the stairs, her presence quickly drawing attention.

Anastasia's gasp was the first sign, and it swiftly alerted the rest of the family. Beverly's gaze locked onto Leslie, her expression a mask of stern disapproval. “Leslie,” Beverly exclaimed, “have you lost your mind? Get back upstairs and change this instant, young lady!”

Leslie ignored her mother, instead turning her pleading gaze to her father. “Dad, please.” “You can't allow this, Benjamin! She's making a spectacle of herself,” Beverly argued. Binky approached Leslie, his gaze studying hers with an unblinking intensity. “People very well may laugh at you. And you'll undoubtedly be the first topic of gossip,” he warned. “I’d rather stand out for what I believe in than blend in to what I don't.” Binky's gaze lingered on Leslie, his eyes distant, as if lost in thought. The silence stretched out like an eternity before he finally spoke. “Come,” he said, his hand extending towards her. “We don't want to be late.” Leslie's face lit up with a radiant smile as she blinked back tears, taking her father's hand. “Thanks, Dad.” “I've known only one other fearless young lady like you,” he said, ignoring Beverly's protests. “Maybe someday I'll tell you about her.”