Lyons, France, March, 2078, Thursday…

Pere Bernard followed the old woman up the flight of stairs. She never stopped talking and would halt on each landing to wring her hands and look towards the heavens. Finally, they were at the attic level, where the daughter's room was. Other relatives were gathered round the bed, praying.

The girl writhed and twisted beneath the covers that formed a crude straight jacket via the thick leather straps that held her down. She screamed profanities in Swahili, not French. He knew the language a little from his missionary work in Africa. Her eyes were wild and became wilder when they focused on the priest. She was bathed in sweat.

"How long has she been this way?" asked the priest.

"Since she woke up this morning. Is she possessed?"

Pere Bernard had never performed an exorcism so he had no real experience with someone possessed. All he could do was to apply the ritual taught in seminary and hope for the best. And also hope that she wasn't suffering from a brain tumor or some other physical ailment. These people obviously had no medical coverage beyond that provided by the government which was minimal these days.

He took off his crucifix and began. He was almost finished when the girl arched her back mightily against the straps, fell back, and was quiet. Her breathing became normal.

Everyone present except the priest thought that the exorcism had been successful. At least in a way. The young girl's relatives were trying to restrain the priest who was clawing at his eyes and screaming in Swedish and Chinese. He foamed at the mouth and shook all over.