XIII: Friends

"Amen!" The entire congregation responded in unison to the priest's prayer. Angela unclasped her hands and opened her eyes, looking up at the altar where the priest, dressed in a white alb, stood. The church fell silent as the priest picked up the hymn book and flipped through its pages, searching for the next hymn.

Angela glanced to her left, where Zayden sat beside her on the wooden bench. The coachman was seated on her right, while Zayden occupied the seat closest to the aisle. For someone who wasn't religious, he behaved remarkably well. Every now and then, she caught him murmuring "Amen" to certain prayers. It seemed almost habitual, as if responding to the prayers was contagious, and he didn't even realize he was affirming them.