Dolly: Mercy Seat
“I should never have tried to run away. But I’ve been trapped in the temple for days. They’re hiding my clothes and my phone somewhere. I didn’t know what else to do!
I’ve never given in to temptation before. I had never even touched myself, let alone allowed anyone else to touch me. I was saving myself for my husband.
I should get to choose who I marry. But President Oaks has taken everything that matters to me: my virginity, my freedom to choose my husband, even my testimony.
And now I’m sealed for eternity to Brother Steele. I had never disobeyed my priesthood leaders before, whether it’s the prophet or my bishop or even my dad. I didn’t want to let my new husband boss me around. I knew I had to get out of here.
When I woke up early one morning and discovered that I was alone, I thought it was a miracle. I listened for any sound at all, but the temple was completely silent.
I didn’t know where my clothes were, but I decided to make a break for it. I leapt out of bed, completely naked, and ran from the bed where I sleep and sometimes Brother Steele sleeps with me.
But it wasn’t as easy to escape as I thought it would be. The temple is a giant maze, and I just couldn’t find my way out. I ran up and down the stairs, I ran down endless corridors, but there didn’t seem to be any way out.
And then I heard footsteps coming down the hall toward me. I ran straight downstairs, into the temple basement, even though I guessed there was no way out down there.
But the footsteps followed me. I heard them coming down the stairs, and I groped along the floor in the dark until I felt a heavy black curtain. With a sigh of relief, I hid behind it and tried to hold my breath.
But I could only hold my breath for so long. And when I did, finally, gasp for air, President Oaks heard me. He opened the curtain and pointed a bright flashlight right into my face.
Then he dragged me out by the hair, telling me what a stupid girl I had been. I know that I will be punished. I just want to go home.”
- Sister Dolly Leigh