Maria stared at her for a moment.
Then she laughed.
Not a mocking laugh—a warm, genuine one.
"Of course not, Diana!"
She said, almost offended that her friend would think otherwise.
"Even though I'm tied to the Church, even though I believe in its values—something like not wanting someone to get a divorce?"
"That's simply too much."
She shook her head firmly.
"There's no way I would support something like that. If you were truly unhappy in your relationship, if it was really bringing you down, then I wholeheartedly support your decision."
"A hundred percent!"
Diana's face flooded with relief.
"But..."
Maria added, her voice becoming hesitant, suddenly shy.
"There is one more thing I'm concerned about. One thing I'm not sure of."
Diana tilted her head curiously. "What is it?"
Maria fidgeted with the hem of her robe, avoiding Diana's eyes for a moment.
"It's the...age gap between you two."
Diana's expression shifted to understanding.
