May 25, 2002 5:21 PM

"My" sunday school teacher just informed me by phone that her last class would be next weekend. I hate these sorts of conversations. I'd essentially broken off all ties to my former church about a year ago, since my determination that I did not believe in Christianity. Thusly it has become painful to speak to anyone who is part of the congregation. And the worst part about this whole ordeal is that I have not the heart to tell them that I don't share their beliefs, and never truly have.

"Do you think you'll be able to attend?" she sunnily asked.

"I think I'm busy..." I softly responded.