After walking for miles down a hallway, Alex opened one of the doors and slipped through.
A line of people walked past holding candles. A Christmas carol rumbled sweetly out of the darkness. Alex took a seat quietly near the back. Through the windows over the altar he could see snow falling.
When the lights came up the bishop stood before the cross, hand raised in benediction over the congregation. His alb caught the candlelight and turned red.
“Today,” said the bishop, and caught sight of Alex. “Alexander Hamill! Don’t you tell me you’re a Catholic!”
Everyone turned to look at Alex. He blushed, and said, “Even an atheist may come to church on Christmas Eve.”