The morning sky was shrouded in heavy gray clouds, a prelude to the turbulent weather that loomed over the region. Catherine had packed her luggage, her face glowing with excitement as she prepared to leave for Las Vegas. Maria accompanied her to the church gates to bid her farewell.
Catherine: (beaming)
"I can't believe I'll finally get to see Nathan and my parents again! I've been counting down the days."
Maria: (smiling)
"I'm so happy for you. Have a safe trip, Catherine. And remember, call me the moment you get there."
Catherine gave Maria a quick hug, pulling her scarf tighter around her neck as the wind began to pick up.
Catherine: (teasing)
"Don't miss me too much, Maria. I'll be back before you know it!"
Maria laughed, waving as Catherine hailed a cab to take her to the train station.
---
At the Train Station
Catherine arrived at the station to find a chaotic scene. Passengers crowded the ticket counters, their voices raised in frustration as station staff tried to explain the delays. The storm had caused significant disruptions, and many trains were either delayed indefinitely or canceled altogether.
She approached the station master, a man in his fifties with a weathered face, standing behind the information desk.
Catherine: (anxiously)
"Excuse me, sir. I have a ticket for the 3 p.m. train to Las Vegas. Can you tell me if it's still running?"
The station master looked at her apologetically.
Station Master:
"I'm sorry, miss. All trains heading west have been canceled due to the weather. We're expecting updated schedules soon, but it might take a day or two."
Catherine's heart sank. She handed the man her ticket and scribbled her phone number on a piece of paper.
Catherine:
"Can you please call me when there's an update?"
Station Master: (nodding)
"Of course, miss. We'll inform you as soon as we have news."
Feeling a wave of disappointment, Catherine collected her bags and headed back to the church.
---
Returning to Maria
When Catherine arrived at the church, her earlier enthusiasm had all but vanished. She found Maria in the study hall, organizing some notes.
Catherine: (sighing)
"Maria, you won't believe this. My train got canceled because of the storm. They don't even know when it'll be rescheduled."
Maria looked up, her brow furrowing with concern.
Maria:
"Oh, Catherine, I'm so sorry to hear that. But don't worry—it's just a delay. You'll be on your way soon enough."
Catherine sat down heavily beside her.
Catherine: (grumbling)
"I was so excited to see my family. Now I'm stuck here with this awful weather. I even gave the station master my number, but who knows when they'll call."
Maria placed a comforting hand on her shoulder.
Maria:
"Look at it this way—you get to spend more time with me! And hey, we can use this time to do something productive. Why don't we check on Kate? She's been so stressed about her exams."
Catherine nodded, her spirits lifting slightly.
Catherine:
*"You're right. Let's go cheer her up."
---
Kate's Struggles
In her small room, Kate sat at her desk, surrounded by books and notes. Her normally composed demeanor had given way to visible anxiety. The news that Father Robert himself would be overseeing her exams had left her feeling overwhelmed.
Kate: (to herself)
"Why did this have to happen to me? I can't fail again... not this time."
Her roommate, Briana, had gone to the library, leaving Kate alone with her thoughts. She tried to focus on the Ten Commandments but found her mind wandering. The weight of her mistake and the strict scrutiny she was now under made it difficult to concentrate.
---
The Evening Visit
Maria and Catherine knocked on Kate's door later that evening.
Kate: (opening the door)
"Oh, hi, you two. What brings you here?"
Maria: (smiling warmly)
"We thought you could use some company—and maybe a little help with your studies."
Catherine: (grinning)
"We're on a mission to make sure you ace those exams, no matter what!"
Kate stepped aside, letting them in.
Kate: (sighing)
"You don't have to do this, but thank you. I've been feeling so overwhelmed. Father Robert is so strict, and I'm terrified of letting everyone down again."
Maria set her books on the desk and pulled out a chair.
Maria:
"Kate, you've already taken the first step by owning up to your mistake. Now, let's focus on moving forward. We'll tackle these topics one at a time, together."
Catherine opened one of Kate's notebooks and scanned the notes.
Catherine:
"Okay, let's start with the Ten Commandments. We can turn it into a game. I'll quiz you, and Maria can explain any tricky parts."
Kate managed a small smile.
Kate:
"Alright. Let's do it."
---
Study Session
For the next two hours, the three of them worked together. Catherine fired off questions, Maria provided detailed explanations, and Kate slowly began to regain her confidence.
Catherine:
"Alright, Kate, what's the sixth commandment?"
Kate: (thinking for a moment)
"Thou shalt not commit adultery."
Catherine: (grinning)
"Correct! See? You've got this!"
Maria leaned in, pointing to a passage in one of the books.
Maria:
"And remember, it's not just about memorizing the words. Try to understand the deeper meaning behind each commandment. That's what Father Robert will be looking for."
As the evening went on, Kate's anxiety began to melt away, replaced by determination.
Kate: (smiling)
"Thank you, both of you. I don't know what I'd do without your support."
Maria: (teasing)
"That's what friends are for. Now, let's tackle the next topic!"
---
Closing Thoughts
By the time they finished, it was well past their usual bedtime. As they packed up their materials, Kate looked at her friends with gratitude.
Kate:
"I feel so much better now. I still have a lot of work to do, but I'm not as scared anymore."
Catherine: (smiling)
"That's the spirit! And remember, we're just a knock away if you need anything."
As Maria and Catherine returned to their rooms, the storm outside continued to rage, but inside the church, a sense of warmth and camaraderie prevailed.
Maria paused before entering her room, looking at Catherine with a soft smile.
Maria:
"You know, I think this delay happened for a reason. Maybe you were meant to be here to help Kate tonight."
Catherine: (nodding)
"Maybe. Either way, I'm glad I could be here."
The two friends parted ways, their hearts a little lighter despite the stormy skies.