"Father," swiftly confirmed Malachi, unperturbed by the child's clumsy hands. The small altar, cluttered now with the returned candles, was given only a glance before his attention turned back to the boy. He was yet to meet everyone that attended services, but he was not sure that he had seen this child at all, until now.

There were plenty of things to ask him. Why he had really grabbed the candles, for one, and why he thought to lie and cover up his taking so blatantly. Instead, Malachi took a step closer and asked, "What is your name? Why are you here alone?"