Richard’s POV

Richard kneels beside Paul before the altar, leading him in prayer. The old stone chapel is dimly lit, the air heavy with the scent of incense and beeswax candles. Richard's voice is low and steady as he recites the familiar words of the rosary, his fingers moving automatically over the smooth surface of his rosary beads.

Paul kneels next to him, his head bowed, his hands clasped tightly in his lap. Richard can see the tension in his shoulders, the way his body is coiled tight with suppressed emotion. He knows that Paul is struggling, that the weight of his sins is heavy upon him.

As they pray,...