30. The presbytery shower
CHAPTER 30
The presbytery shower
“Bless me, Father, for I have sinned. It has been three days since my last confession.
These are my sins.
I broke my vows, Father, and yet, I realize they broke me.
I will be Your servant forever, but I can no longer wear the liturgical vestments, for their hypocrisy chokes me.
I know I may lose Your grace, but I believe Andrea is Your gift. She gives me hope, Father. The possibility of tomorrow is no longer a nightmare.
But even so, I will risk Your gift for the chance to right the wrongs that occurred in my parish.
I will protect Your flock when the police won’t.
I will do what must be done.
It is an honor to shield those who cannot defend themselves.
Perhaps, Your grace is tied to this path and I can have her, a future, and peace in this parish…
Is that so much to ask?
Even now, a new soul could be stirring in her belly. Please, Father, please, if she is carrying my child, let me know them. Let me love them. Let me be a father.
It will be the greatest honor You have ever bestowed upon me, and I will watch over them with my life.
It is not often I beg You for anything, but I will beg You for her. For our child. For a future with them in it.
May Your mercy endure even if I lose Your love.
Amen.”