47. Savio
CHAPTER 47
Savio
TWO YEARS LATER
C?TE D’AZUR, FRANCE
“Bless me, Father, for I have sinned. It has been five weeks since my last confession to You.
These are my sins.
I may have taught my daughters how to aim for the hyoid bone if they’re being attacked and gave them pepper spray despite it being illegal in France.
Once again, I come to You with little to no shame in my heart for this, Father.
I’m certain You are annoyed with me for this, but I refuse to allow them to be statistics.
They’re my gift from You.
Surely You wish for them to be safe as well?
I never imagined having children, as we’ve often discussed, but just when I think I’ve adapted to being a father, they knock me off-kilter.
How do You do it, Father? And for so many?
I can barely cope with three, never mind Diana’s lot who are practically ours too.
Yes, I taught Lola the same defensive moves last year when she went to university. No, I didn’t repent because I was mad at You at the time. I don’t remember why now.
All of them have left the nest now, Father. My babies are adults.
As children, they were vulnerable. Fragile, in both health and stature. Now, they’re fully grown. Somehow, Andrea and I did that. I know You guided us along the path and for that, You have my deepest thanks. But You always have that.
My heart is currently cleaved into separate parts and three of those parts are walking around Paris, happy and unaware that it is killing me to know that they are no longer under my roof.
My protection.
But they are under Yours, Father.
I bestow them upon You for their care.
I fully expect You to protect them and will forget that situation in Oran if You make sure that they only experience a happy and blessed life.
That, I realize, is something I want more than anything for them.
Peace is often discounted, but there’s nothing like it. I could never have foreseen that it would be shaped like this for me, but You, in Your infinite wisdom, know best. You gave me an angel for a lifemate, then You gave us three children who will make Your world a better place.
As always, I thank You for the bountiful life You have bestowed upon me. The gifts that I know I have not earned but which You graced me with anyway.
It’s been a long time since I felt the need to use the lash. That might have something to do with… Well, I’m sure You’re aware of my sex life, Father. Not that I’m accusing You of watching us during intimate moments. Just know that Andrea keeps me plenty busy.
Anyway, how did I get onto this?
The children! Of course.
Please, Father, just… keep them safe. I beg of You to watch over them so my wife doesn’t have to.
Your mercy has endured, Father, and I remain steadfast in my service to You.
I am Your servant whenever You have need of me.
Amen.”