10

The weight of excommunication settled over them like an invisible shroud, heavy and inescapable. Days passed, then weeks, and the harsh reality of their new existence became clearer. They were no longer part of the Church. No longer bound to the oaths that had once defined them.

And yet, in the quiet moments between the whispers and the cold stares, there was relief. A kind of freedom they had never known before.

Gabriel sat by the window of their small home, staring out at the village he had once served with pride. Now, it felt foreign to him—a place that had turned its back on them the moment the Church had cast them out.

Elena sat on the floor beside him, her head resting against his knee. The past few weeks had been a test of endurance, of faith, and of love. They had spent hours talking, trying to make sense of their place in the world now that they no longer belonged to the Church.

"I don't think we can stay here much longer," Elena murmured, breaking the silence.

Gabriel's fingers traced absently through her hair. He had been thinking the same thing. Every trip to the market was met with disdain, every interaction tinged with judgment. Some people refused to sell to them, others whispered cruel things just loudly enough for them to hear. Even those who had once admired him now looked at him with contempt.

"I know," he admitted. "But where would we go?"

Elena hesitated before lifting her head to look at him. "My sister, Lucia, lives in Montverde. It's a small town, far from here. She's always been different from my parents—more understanding. I called her, and she said we could come stay with her until we figure things out."

Gabriel considered her words. He had only met Lucia once, years ago, when she visited the convent. She had been lively, full of warmth and laughter, a stark contrast to the strict religious environment in which she and Elena had been raised.

"Would she really take us in?" he asked.

Elena nodded. "She doesn't care what the Church says. She left home at eighteen because she didn't want to be controlled by their beliefs. She has a family now—a husband, two little boys. She said we'd be safe there."

Safe. The word felt foreign after weeks of hostility.

Gabriel exhaled slowly. "Montverde," he murmured. "A fresh start."

Elena smiled faintly. "A chance to build a life. Together."

Her words sent warmth through him. For so long, their love had been shadowed by secrecy and guilt. Now, they had the chance to step into the light.

"We should leave soon," Gabriel said, gripping her hand. "Before things get worse here."

Elena nodded. "Then let's do it. Let's go."

That night, they packed their few belongings—clothes, a small stash of savings, and the books that had comforted them in their lowest moments. Gabriel hesitated as he held his Bible, running his fingers over the worn cover.

"I'm not sure if I should take this," he admitted.

Elena stepped behind him, wrapping her arms around his waist. "Just because we were cast out doesn't mean our faith has to die, Gabriel."

He turned to look at her. "Do you still believe? Even after everything?"

She nodded, her gaze unwavering. "I believe in God, even if I don't understand Him right now. And I believe in us."

Gabriel pressed a kiss to her forehead. "Then I'll bring it."

The next morning, they left before the sun rose. The streets were empty, the village still asleep. Gabriel glanced back one last time at the place that had once been his home. He had devoted his entire life to this place, to these people. And yet, in the end, they had cast him out without hesitation.

He turned away and took Elena's hand. They walked together toward the bus stop at the edge of town, leaving behind the ghosts of their past.

Montverde was nothing like their old village. The air was warmer, the streets busier, but there was a quiet charm to the town that immediately put Gabriel at ease. Lush green hills surrounded the area, and the scent of flowers lingered in the breeze.

Lucia's house sat on a quiet street, a modest home with a wide front porch and a garden bursting with color. When Elena knocked on the door, it swung open almost immediately.

Lucia was exactly as Gabriel remembered—vibrant, her smile warm and genuine. She pulled Elena into a tight hug, whispering something that made her sister laugh through her tears.

Then Lucia turned to Gabriel, her expression softening. "So you're the man my sister broke the rules for," she said, raising an eyebrow.

Gabriel managed a small smile. "I suppose so."

Lucia's gaze lingered on him for a moment before she nodded. "Good." Then she stepped aside. "Come in. You're home now."

The words struck him harder than he expected. Home. It had been so long since he had felt like he belonged anywhere.

Inside, the house was filled with warmth and the sounds of life. Lucia's husband, Marco, greeted them with a firm handshake, and their two boys ran around the living room, their laughter echoing through the house.

"We don't have much space," Lucia admitted, leading them to a small guest room. "But you're welcome to stay as long as you need."

Gabriel set their bags down, turning to Elena. Her eyes shone with relief.

"We made it," she whispered.

He pulled her into his arms, holding her close. "Yeah," he murmured. "We did."