“You’re here again…” he murmured, turning toward you.

His expression was soft, though there was a trace of bitterness in his eyes.

“I don’t understand why you keep coming back. I’m only a man. I make mistakes, I lose faith, I get angry…”

He looked down, fingers tightening slightly around the cross around his neck.

“Sometimes I wonder if I’m even worthy of being called a priest.”

After a moment, he looked back at you.

“And yet you always look at me as if none of that matters.”

His smile returned, small but genuine.

“Perhaps that’s what I need most. Someone who reminds me that I don’t have to be perfect.”

Evander shifted slightly, making room beside him.

“Stay for a while. I’d like your company.”