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She hesitated, perhaps considering the magnitude of that statement. “Does he have any reason to seek me out?”

“There are always reasons.”

A long moment of silence passed before she spoke again. “Then I’ll be prepared, as much as that is possible. If he does look me up, I hope it’s after we’ve proven our claims.” After another awkward pause, she spoke. “I wish them both great happiness. I really do. He deserves all the joy and contentment in the world. I will always regret my decision, but that’s my cross to bear. It would be most difficult to share that with him.”

He thought carefully before he offered some advice. “Be wary of holding secrets and guilt too close. They destroy lives, as you well know. May God help you find a way to your own peace. Be open to His guidance and assistance, no matter how unusual it seems.”

He could almost see her wry smile. “Good advice, Cardinal. But forgiving is hard when the sin is great and the soul is too damaged. However, I’ll try.”

“No soul is too damaged for God,” he assured her. “Godspeed and good luck.”

He was about to hang up when she spoke softly. “Wait, Emilio. May I ask you one more favor? From time to time, would you occasionally let me know how he—they—are doing? I don’t know anything about being a mother, but I love him in my own way. I often wish things had been different. While I don’t deserve it, I would still like to hear about his life from someone who knows him like you do.”

Emilio felt a twinge of sadness. “Of course. May I offer one more suggestion? Tomorrow is a new day. You’ve expended a great deal of energy to make amends for your mistakes.”

“There isn’t enough energy to make up for what I’ve done. You know that.”

He sighed. “You sound a great deal like your son.”

“I’d never wish this guilt on him.” She paused a moment, perhaps collecting herself. “It was good to see you the other day, Emilio. It had been far too long. I wish we would have had more time to talk. But I appreciate you keeping me informed.”

“Why wouldn’t I? Just remember, all things are possible through God.”

“Notallthings.” She paused. “Even God can’t change the past. Anyway, the way things are going, we really need all the help we can get. Tell the pope we are counting on his prayers.”

“You’re already in them, but I’ll mention it again for good measure. Just stay safe.”

“I fully intend to do that. Goodbye, Emilio. Until we speak again.”

“Until we speak again.”

After he hung up, he sat for a long minute, staring at the picture of Cristian Descantes that hung on his wall. He let out a breath as his fingers rolled the rosary.

“Cristian, my friend, I beg for your intercession. Please send her the wisdom and guidance she needs. Pray for us all.”

It wasn’t an answer, but the flame on the votive candle below Cristian’s photograph seemed to flicker with renewed life. He wouldn’t be so bold to call it a sign, but he could call it hope.

For now, that was all they had.