If Gabriel would have been able to read Chéri's thoughts, he would have protested that he didn't hate happiness at all. In fact, he sought it eagerly. The true, deeper happiness that came with serving God in a life of sacrifice and self-denial. The happiness of the soul. The happiness where you were utterly miserable and empty on the inside, but comforted yourself by telling yourself that this was in fact true joy because all the miserable people around you also believed it was, and therefore you were happy.

But he couldn't read Chéri's thoughts and it was probably a good thing too.

Speaking of misery, before he could answer, another 'guest' walked into the room and Gabriel needed all his self-control not to scowl. Should he have warned Fr. Brennan of Mr. Tully the flasher, or was that considered gossiping? Probably not if Mr. Tully hadn't changed, as his offensive question proved.

He swallowed his indignation. "Good morning," he offered with a neutral face, before turning back to Chéri and answering in French: "I am well, thank you. I'm sure Father Brennan was just trying to be kind and make you feel welcome."