<div style="text-align: justify;">Manuela was extremely relieved to be back home. She had thought that she would never see her little home again. For whatever reason, that bishop had saved her life. Or maybe she should say, he had temporarily saved her life. Things would probably be defined by their conversation, or confession, after mass. Up until then, Manuela told herself, she should not feel relieved yet.<br/><br/>As requested by Bishop Julian, Manuela had gone to church shortly after mass for confession. It felt odd to walk into this place. It felt even more uncomfortable because the people standing in line, waiting to confess, were all staring at her. The looks she was getting were clearly not friendly, and Manuela felt tempted to leave. Had it not been for Julian’s request, Manuela would have returned home. <br/><br/>Taking a deep breath, Manuela placed herself at the end of the line and waited patiently. While she waited, the young woman looked at the stained glass, the crosses and images representing the alleged saints. That place was incredibly uncomfortable, and somewhat confusing, for Manuela. Why did that church, that claimed to be true, killed those who thought differently? Didn’t their God say they should love one another? Or did they have to love only those who believed the same things they did? Manuela had too many questions, and she wondered if she would be allowed to ask them all. Well, that would have to wait until the moment when she would finally be able to talk to the Bishop.<br/><br/>Once she finally managed to reach the Bishop, Manuela was already tired, both of waiting and of the dirty looks everyone was giving her. Despite her tiredness, Manuela smiled in seeing the Bishop. Her smile was calm, and a little sheepish. “Bishop… I have to confess that I have never been to church for confession”, she stated, very quietly. “Would it be possible for us to speak in a less formal manner?”, the young woman requested, hoping that her request did not offend the Bishop. She didn’t want him to feel that she did not respect his faith, but it was not hers, and she wouldn’t know how to navigate its rituals.</div>