Away from the celebrations, Father Nicodemus was sitting on the roof of the base church, his wings drooped like tired flags. He was staring at his hands, mumbling to himself in whispers.
Major Elio found him there, having searched for the priest since dinner time. He had a bag on his back which had two thermos cups of coffee prepared by his wife and two sandwiches. They were part of his night duty package, but he handed one to the priest. "You look like you are auditioning for the role of sad angel in a world abandoned by the creator." He plopped down beside the priest. "I noticed that you were not so okay when you flew away from Busker. What's eating you, Father?"
Father Nicodemus sighed. "My faith. Do you know the ten commandments son?"
Major Elio slurped his coffee loudly and nodded. "I have always walked the path between life and death. I know the commandments by heart. Thou shall not kill. I guess that is what has your feathers in a knot."
