Those words pierced him more than anything Elijah had said so far. He wanted to call out to Elijah, tell him he was sorry, ask him to stay. But he knew he wouldn't be able to face himself. And so he turned around so he wouldn't have to see Elijah leave and Elijah wouldn't see his face, and he dug his hand into his cassock, reaching for his rosary. The Holy Virgin had surrendered willingly to God's decree. The Holy Virgin had given up the one she loved most.

"Goodbye," he said quietly.