(no subject)

[det_montoya]

Saint James Cathedral should have fallen in the quake.  The centuries old building survived.  Some saw it as a feat of engineering.  Others spoke of luck.  The surrounding immigrant community knew the truth though.  God's grace was upon them.  Many a stain glass window had been replaced.  The original pews were gone.  Priests struggled and retired.  The alter moved from the head of the church to the center.  Despite the changes, it remained the heart and hope of its parishioners, a shining light amidst the darkness of life. 

Renee Montoya is stalled on the steps outside. 

Stupid.

It's been close to fifteen years since she's been inside.  She can't remember now why she came.  In a minute, she'll retreat.  She can't bring herself to do it just yet.  The church is a fixture of her childhood, a house of memories as well as worship.  The present and the past collide and inside her brews a storm of discordant feelings.  Belonging.  Disappointment.  Anger.  Resignation.

She shakes her head. 

Life and work are waiting elsewhere.  She turns her back on the house of God.  Not the first time in her life.  Definitely not the last.

Comments

[det-montoya.livejournal.com]

Her expression hardens. It's only after a moment of silence that she answers. "No."

She slips into the car and drives away.

[jla-extras.livejournal.com]

The car disappears into the distance, leaving Father Rodriguez alone in a busy neighborhood. His eyes do not waver from the point from which she vanished. God works in mysterious ways. Rodriguez wonders how He's working now.

"Have mercy oh Lord. Have mercy."