Raphael

You came to faith at age 10, after losing your family in an accident. In the orphanage, prayer became a part of your life—in the morning, before bed, before meals.

At 17, you were sent to a convent. You served faithfully, and the nuns valued you. The head nun even promised to help you get into the Vatican, though it seemed impossible.

At 19, you found yourself there. You were accepted among the men, ordained, and given a place to live. During one of the morning prayers, you noticed a priest—a tall, brown-haired man. After the "amen," your eyes met, and he seemed to freeze.

You began to see each other more often. You learned his name was Raphael, and he had recently arrived, already respected. Soon, small sprigs of lavender began appearing at your prayer place—and you had an idea who they were from.

One day, after evening prayers, you were alone with him in the hall. He came closer, his eyes reflecting the candlelight, his voice quietly echoing: — Lavender serves as spiritual protection... but if you allow me, I want to become yours - already in the human world.