I work in a mall. A busy mall where I pass by people very frequently. Ever since I started working at the bookstore in the said mall, I notice that I get approached a fair bit. Directions to the subway, the washroom, if I knew where the food court may be, or if I believed in God and if I would like to join their religion.

Okay, so they didn't phrase it like that but after being approached T E N times within the past year and a half, I'm frankly annoyed. They're constantly targeting feminine presenting people who are walking alone too. I know because there are always two of them and I notice the other recruiter talks to other afabs.

Now, I'm not religious in the Christian/Catholic sense. I've had enough of that nonsense growing up in a Catholic school system from kindergarten to high school graduation. I'm also only Buddhist in the cultural sense like praying in the wat for good luck on my exams or giving offerings to ghosts when I write about them because I don't want the book to be taken down due to a glitch or just chance.

But I don't do hardcore worship. I'm too busy to do that stuff and have bigger priorities.

Yet I keep getting approached by these people over and over again and mall security gets involved each and every time. I know it's them because they have the same religious basis. They even tricked me one time saying it was a university survey and I was like "oh man, I had to do that before, sure I'll help their project" and then they tried to pitch to me about coming to their goddamn church and I was like NOPE. It's new every time and it's like a monthly occurrence at this point. It's been so long, I'm thinking it's just a me thing now because none of my other coworkers are being approached as much. Only one other person encountered them so I know I'm not hallucinating while on my way to and from work but the rest of them don't even know what I'm talking about.

So, there is only one logical explanation for all this.

I am a god and the religion is secretly about me.

I know, I know. I'm fantastic and fabulous *poses gayly* but I don't have time for my religious followers because I'm too busy reading and writing. Heartbreaking, I know. Hopefully, this odd cult will be able to find peace traveling around the world with no god at their side.

But on a serious note, always be cautious. I know there are other ways cults get to people via manipulation of family, people you're dating, or just getting you at your most lonely and desperate but it's weird out there. Always be ready to spring into action if you feel something is wrong. Gut feelings can help. Unless they don't but like there's going to be nuance to everything, of course.

Also, don't start a cult and do something more productive like watch The Owl House.