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               The cathedral rested in the reverent silence of worshiping monks. Father Whatley strode down the aisle, trying to remember when the next 8th grade confirmation group meeting would be, when the click of heels broke the reverie of the sanctuary.
               "Father?" spoke the ruby lips.
               "What is it, daughter?"
               "May I speak with you?"
               The priest inwardly sighed. "Come with me. We can speak freely in my office."

               The woman sat on the comfortable sofa, her crimson skirt winded tightly around her stockings as she wrung her hands. "Father. I'm having problems with my partner."
               Whatley sighed. This was case... one thousand? "How long have you been married? And what's your name, my daughter?"
               "I'm Valentina, Father. We've been married for a year now, but have been together for nine years. I love Jo very much, Father, but sometimes I feel like I can't go on. Sometimes I think it would be better if we just forgot this and – "
               "Valentina." The priest put an impatient hand on her shoulder. "All married couples go through hard times. But if you're happy, in your heart, with Joe, then God has willed you two to be together. Divorce is never the answer; God wants to see people united in love."
               Valentina suddenly stood up from the couch. "That's exactly what I wanted to hear, Father. We love each other, so God must will for us to be together, right? If this is true... Why did you prevent us from getting married for so, so long, Father?"
               "I don't understand, Valentina, I don't know you and definitely don't recall you and Joe every coming to me for an approval of your marriage—"
               "Father, it's 'Jo'. As in, her name is Jo Anne."