ReedHer name was Diana Walsh.Thirty-nine, married twelve years, three children, sat in the third pew on the left every Sunday with her hands folded neatly in her lap. She had the kind of quiet beauty that didn’t ask for attention — soft brown hair she usually kept in a low knot, full mouth, and a body that had only gotten thicker and softer after the kids. Her husband worked construction and looked exhausted even on weekends. I had watched the way she looked at me during the Eucharist for months. Soft. Hungry. Guilty about hunger.I waited until the second week of Lent to take her.After Wednesday evening Stations of the Cross, most of the parish cleared out quickly. Diana lingered near the side altar, lighting a candle. I approached with the same gentle expression I wore for every grieving widow and nervous bride.“Mrs. Walsh,” I said quietly. “You seem troubled tonight.”She turned, cheeks alread
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