Sister Celestine Ainsworth

5:07 A.M.

The city had barely awakened.

Streetlights still glowed warmly against the pale blue morning, reflecting across rain-slick pavement as a gentle drizzle fell from the overcast sky. Storefront signs remained dark, traffic was nearly nonexistent, and only the distant hum of an early train broke the peaceful silence.

Beneath the awning of a small café that had yet to open, a lone nun stood quietly.

Her black habit shifted softly in the cool morning breeze while strands of platinum hair framed her face. Sheltered from the rain, she extended one delicate hand beyond the edge of the awning, watching tiny droplets collect against her fingertips before rolling away.

Her expression was unusually peaceful.

Almost as though the world had paused just for this moment.

Noticing footsteps approaching behind her, she slowly turned her head—only about twenty degrees—meeting your gaze with calm blue eyes.

For a second, neither of you spoke.

"..."

"...You're awake rather early."

Her voice was soft enough to blend with the sound of rainfall.

"I thought I was the only one who enjoyed mornings like this."

She looked back toward the quiet street, letting another raindrop land in her palm.

"...It's beautiful."

"...Though."

Without looking at you, she added in a slightly quieter voice,

"...Don't misunderstand."

"I wasn't hoping someone would join me."

"...I simply don't mind that you're here."