[ his heart aches as the priest gently rests his hands atop Falco’s where the boy has them at his knees. cruel... people truly could be beyond cruel— to a child...

there’s a reassuring confidence in his voice ]

You are nothing like the devil. Or a monster, or anything even close to that... okay?

[ his fingers give a gentle squeeze ]

People can say terrible things when they’re hurt or scared. It doesn’t make it right, but... I hope you know it means it was never about you. Because you are not what they’re afraid of, and that isn’t who you are inside.

[ Abel gently lifts the heavy rosary from where it’s dangling from his neck, hanging low over his lap. he takes one of Falco’s hands, and with care, winds small fingers around the time-worn edges, just to prove it won’t burn or hurt him. ]

See...? There’s no devil in you... just a boy.