The Epiphany

Luisa trotted into the church behind the Mother Superior. The wise woman's words gave her comfort. Her life had been shattered and turned upside down in less than 24 hours. First, she had left her home and her family out of love for Edward. And on the very same evening, she found out that the alleged love of her life was a cheating dog who had already indulged in other women before they were even married. Oh, men were all the same and they always wanted just one thing. What a lucky fortune that the nuns had opened her eyes in time. Now she hoped that prayer would indeed provide a solution to her predicament.

She felt so depressed that she could not imagine returning to her family at the moment. Her shame was too deep and the hurt she had caused her parents by breaking their trust was too painful. She desperately needed support and guidance. Perhaps the abbess would allow her to stay in the convent and join the order after a reasonable length of time and mutual acquaintance. After the bitter disappointment she had experienced, she did not want to expose herself to the risk of one more betrayal by a scoundrel like Edward.

When they had crossed the portal into the quiet, cool nave, Mother Dorothee halted and turned to her youngest protégé.

“From here on, you should proceed alone. I will wait for you.”

“But mother, I was hoping that you would help me find a way out of my misery.”

“Don't worry, my daughter. You will find the way. Just walk boldly down the aisle and everything will fall into place.”

Even though she was not yet sure that she could carry on without help, Luisa trusted the words and headed for the Blessed Sacrament. A strange light shone in the apse, which could not have come from lamps, candles or the faint glow of dusk outside the windows. Luisa had to squint in the glare and couldn't make out exactly what was waiting for her at the end of the church.

The closer she got to her destination, the slower and more hesitant her steps became, until she finally stopped in front of the low steps that separated the main room from the choir, which was usually reserved for the clergy. A row of columns, resembling an ancient triumphal arch, spanned the threshold. She was gripped by a vague fear and her heart was thumping in her chest.

Then she noticed a movement. A colossal shadow fell over her and a huge figure emerged from the unearthly light. An enormous giant loomed directly in front of her, his skin shining black like obsidian. He wore some kind of ceremonial armor, as if he had dressed up for a festive occasion.

He reached out a hand towards her and spoke in a voice that brooked no argument: “Come, my bride.”