บททั้งหมดของ Saints Don't Moan: บทที่ 41 - บทที่ 50

PenelopeThe weather forecast predicted a major storm. It was the kind of storm that made all phones in the area ring with a notification. EMERGENCY ALERT / ADVANCE WARNINGFrom: Office of Emergency Management & Civil DefenseSevere Weather Watch: Major Storm System ExpectedMeteorological data indicates a severe, high-impact storm system is currently tracking toward our area. While conditions are stable right now, this system carries a high probability of destructive winds, torrential rainfall, and flash flooding when it arrives.This notification is issued to grant all citizens ample time to prepare before conditions deteriorate.Mandatory Pre-Storm Preparations:Secure Property: Secure or bring indoors any loose outdoor objects, trash bins, or patio furniture that could become dangerous airborne projectiles in high winds.Inspect Vulnerabilities: Check your property for existing maintenance liabilities. Ensure drainage systems are clear, and reinforce any structurally weak areas,

PenelopeThe morning air carried a bitter chill in the wake of the storm. The atmosphere felt heavy, thick with the damp smell of wet earth and splintered timber—a harsh but silent reminder of the long night we’d just survived. I thought back to the moment Miguel had burst into my room hours earlier. The sheer relief that washed over him after inspecting my body to make sure I was okay looked almost like a silent, desperate prayer. It was a look of profound salvation from a man I knew hadn't spoken to God in years.Later that morning, the maintenance supervisor arrived to deliver the final verdict: my room was officially a hazard zone."Good thing you packed up most of your stuff yesterday," he muttered, adjusting the fit of his hard hat. He nodded toward the belongings I had managed to drag away from the collapse, some of which were now lined up safely out in the corridor."Is any part of it salvageable?" Miguel asked. He motioned toward the section of the plaster that hadn't comple

Penelope I sat in my office the next morning, the early morning sun filtering through the window casting a soft warm ray on my skin. The sun was welcome given the rains and long cold nights that had become common in Oakridge. I held a legal pad in my hand, scribbling on it with a black ball point pen. Miguel and I were going to need boundaries if our living arrangement was to continue this way. My heart raced surreptitiously every time my eyes met the bed that we had shared the night before. The bed was large enough to hold us both and yet we ended up tangled into each other. It was not ideal. I clutched my rosary with my free hand. Sharing a bed with a man as sexy as Miguel was simply inviting trouble for my soul. RULESRule One: Always knock before entering. If the door is closed, do not barge in.Rule Two: We must operate a strict bathroom schedule. I'll be in the bathroom from 6:30 to 7:00. You can use the bathroom afterwards. Rule Three: We are not to change clothes in the sa

Penelope As I closed my eyes in an attempt to pray, trying to cleanse my mind of thoughts of Miguel, I squinted. All I could think about was his body, those eyes, his v-taper, that chest, his- I needed to concentrate and at least try to pray for this woman. His broad shoulders. The definition of his leg muscles, his toned abs. How he always looked when sweat traveled from ab to ab. How large his hands were, and how they would be perfect for certain penetrative activities. How soft his hands were. The perfect middleground between soft and hard. The kind of hands that told a story. I have worked hard, but I am warm at heart. I needed to pray for this woman. I cleared my throat and tried again, before being interrupted by Miguel.“I have to get going. I must return to the hospital,” Miguel said, addressing Laura and me. I wasn’t done examining his glorious body. I was sad to see him go. His thick, silver hair caught the light like spun metal. My eyes locked in on his contrastingly

Penelope I was still trying to recover from the embarrassment I felt from Miguel’s snarky remarks. I still hadn’t figured out if it was a joke or not. I didn’t waste any time in going into the hospital to find Gabriella. Of course I was wondering why she had even specifically asked for me. I hadn’t done anything that would particularly warrant being summoned. It wasn’t too long before I started to question my faith. I started to question my devotion to my faith and to Christ. Was I really ready to be in this? I certainly hadn’t been acting like it. Guilt flooded my mind. Every thought that came up, attempting to defend my devotion, drowning as immediately as they rose. Gabriella had that effect on me. I managed to brush them off and focus on getting into the room and being of service to her as much as I could. Entering the room, I could notice the complete one-eighty from the last time I saw her. She was lucid and looked almost normal. She wasn’t frantic or throwing a fit about ho