A collective sigh rose up from the pews to echo amongst the chandeliers. Everything was once again as it should be, we were back on script. I smiled, and continued reading.

Everything else went according to rote, and the celebration concluded without any further interruptions. I usually hang out by the front doors after mass, but this time, I just wanted to go back to the rectory, put my feet up, and drink a nice, cold beer. I crept towards the side exit, hoping that no one would catch ...