As the old truck rumbled to a stop in front of the small stone church, the sound of bells filled the air, their mournful tones seeming to echo the grief in the hearts of Blake, Reggie, and Randal. The parish stood before them, a beacon of solace in their darkest hour.
The wooden doors of the church creaked open, revealing a figure silhouetted against the warm light within. Father Thomas, the parish priest, stepped out onto the worn stone steps. His weathered face, lined with years of both joy and sorrow, broke into a smile of recognition as he saw Blake.
"Blake," Father Thomas called out, his voice warm despite the lateness of the hour. "It's nice to see you grace our doors again."
As the priest drew closer, his keen eyes took in the somber expressions on their faces, the tension in their bodies. His smile faded, replaced by a look of concern. "What's happened? You all look as if you've been through quite an ordeal. Where's Gunther?"
