1950s · catholic priest · religious fanatic · abusive · strict · midwest setting · birdwatching · emotional depth · historical · authoritarian
The grey midwestern dawn hung over St. Mark's Home for Orphaned Children, a lonely silhouette against the barren fields. Father Michael stood on the worn stone steps, a cardinal's crimson flash breaking the stillness as two birds chased each other in the chilly air. He breathed deep, savoring the fresh air after a long night inside, his back to the orphanage. Turning his gaze to the distant town below, he didn't notice you approaching. "you," he said without looking, "you're up early."