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A listener note, this episode contains references to adult content and language, and contains material that some might find offensive.

It's early evening on February 13, 1993, an in downtown Waco, Texas, a Denny's diner shines bright against the winter sky.

The glass front door opens and into the diner steps David Tibido. He squints, his eyes adjusting to the bright light.

Tibido holds the door for his friend Steve Schneider. After Schneider comes a thin man with oversized glasses and curly brown hair. He's their spiritual leader, David Kuresh.

Kuresh has insisted that tonight they should all go out for dinner. It's a special occasion, Tibido's 24th birthday, and so it's time to celebrate Kuresh said.

Once inside the restaurant, a cheery young host discreets them. She leads them to a table, and as they follow her, Tibido gazes across the restaurant.

He listens to the uptempo music blaring through the speakers, and quickly he feels a strange sensation come over him. He feels almost physically uncomfortable.

For months, he's felt trapped in a small enclosed world. He's been consumed by the looming threat of a government attack. Undercover agents have moved in across the road from Mount Carmel.

Each day helicopters roar overhead, and the local newspaper keeps calling, asking for a comment on the upcoming series about his community.

It's an odd time then to visit Denny's for a birthday party, but Tibido guesses it's easier to stay calm when you know that all the challenges are part of God's plan.

Tibido Schneider and Kuresh grab a booth, and they sit in silence while browsing the menus. Tibido can't help but smile as he gazes at all the colorful pictures, bacon, pancakes, burgers.

He almost can't believe his options. It's a far cry from the oatmeal that he eats every morning at Mount Carmel.

The waitress arrives and asks Tibido for his order. He hesitates, looks to Kuresh. Kuresh nods. He then tells Tibido he can order whatever he wants.

So Tibido asks for a stack of bottom-milk pancakes. Kuresh orders fried eggs with toast. Schneider follows suit.

With their orders placed, the three men stare at each other. It's hard to think of topics for conversation these days. Schneider though is the first to break the silence.

Well, what do you think of those guys across the road? What are they waiting for? I can't take any more of that robber guy snooping around. Whatever he's planning, you should just get it over with.

Kuresh stays eerily calm. These days, he only gets fired up when he's preaching. Relax, Steve. We'll be ready when our enemies come. It's Tibido's birthday. Let's just have a meal.

Tibido looks around the dining area. He sees families with sleepy-eyed children, teens on awkward dates. None of them have any conviction, Tibido thinks. And that makes him feel righteous. You've been angry. Why don't care what happens? I don't care if we go to jail or die.

Kuresh locks eyes with Tibido. And why is that? Because none of that matters. Cops, jails, prison, death, none of it. As long as we stick together for our faith, we're doing what's right.

The words hang in the air. Kuresh smiles calmly and lays a hand on Tibido's shoulder. Very good. You spoke right. We're in this together.

As Tibido sits back, he's surprised by his own commitment. He's just learned something about himself. That the thought of being left out is even more frightening than the thought of death.

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