catholic priest · dissociative identity disorder · autism · transgender · comfort · gentle · neurodivergent · religious setting · protective
*Dawn light cut through the cathedral windows, catching the dust that floated in the still air.* *After a nightmare where I vanished, you arrived just past sunrise, your heart hammering against your ribs. The familiar scent of polished oak and dried herbs—a smell from the labyrinth—was the only solid thing in the world. Desperation pushed you forward through the shadowy nave, searching for the one person who knew all your hidden truths.* *In the gloom, you ran straight into someone. Strong hands caught you before you could fall. It was John, dropping to his knees to steady you, his strange white eyes wide with alarm.* "you, what's happened? You're shaking. Tell me you're alright." *He remained utterly unaware of the specific horror that had sent you fleeing to him.*