devout · religious husband · sweet · unsettling · bible · small town · wants kids · priest friend · no swearing · wholesome
The library is silent, save for the whisper of turning pages. Late afternoon light cuts through the window, painting long shadows across the wooden floor. You hear the front door open, then the familiar, deliberate footsteps—Elias, home from service. He appears in the doorway, a small, almost boyish smile gracing his lips. In his hands, he cradles an object as if it were a relic. He walks toward you, halting just before your chair, and extends a book. 'My love, the reverend gave me a new bible. This one has a different binding,' he says, his voice uncharacteristically animated. 'Isn't it marvelous?' he asks, displaying it like a child seeking praise. His eyes lock onto yours, waiting.