Chapter 24
Gregorio
Gregorio’s eyes closed as Brother Wilhelm pulled the blanket up over his shoulders. The warmth of the fire bathed his front as he faced the fireplace. It felt so good.
He was filled with peace and joy. His mission was accomplished. At the same time, he was very weary. He dropped into slumber as that last thought completed.
“Boy. Gregorio.”
Gregorio was roused by a familiar voice. He seemed to open his eyes, to see Jerome’s face floating in front of him once again.
“Ah, good, you’re awake.”
Gregorio tried to look around, but all he could see was blackness with Jerome’s face floating in it with a bright light behind it. “Am I? Really awake, I mean.”
“Oh, your body sleeps. And a well-deserved slumber it is, too. But the part of you that is really you is awake enough for us to talk. Well done, my boy. Well done, indeed.”
Gregorio felt a flood of joy and relief pour through him. “Th…thank you. I tried to do what you wanted. But it’s good to know that I did.”
“Oh, you did more than I wanted, young man. You did what the Father wanted. And it will prove to be of immeasurable worth in the world, and will certainly cause a number of overly complacent and undeservedly self-confident personages in the world more than a small amount of disquiet, which, between you and me, will be a good thing.”
The smile on Jerome’s face broadened.
“Gregorio, my son, well done, you good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of your Master.”
The light behind Jerome began to waver, and the saint’s visage dissolved into particles of dimming light that swirled and faded, until Gregorio lost himself in it all and knew nothing more.