Not having the same amount of experience with the town as Malachi, Chéri did not recognise the priest as their peer, hence they kept a respectful distance, like an animal who is in need of assistance but does not dare fully trust the other creature they have approached. But alas, the priest welcome them and Chéri, made a quick, grateful gesture, exhibiting a non-threatening neutral expression, slowly stepping into the sacred place.

But -surprise!- the priest seemed to have the intention of leading them inside. Chéri’s English was very basic, but the question was clear enough. They shook their head and said “Non, monsieur”, which was per se an answer to a following question. Like a good second violin, Chéri tamed the energy of their movement, their place slowed and their exuberance faded, matching the calmer dignity they saw in the priest.

Probably filled with what Chéri would describe as “appropriately christian respect”, Chéri stated their general intentions. “I am here to ask for advice.” And whether that would be to god or to the man that stood in front of them would be unclear even to a fluent French speaker.