The church was warm with the sound of Pastor Augustine’s voice.

“Forgive one another, just as Jesus forgave those who persecuted Him. Forgive—and do it seventy-seven times!” he declared, pounding the pulpit for emphasis.

Around me, heads bobbed in solemn agreement, like waves in perfect rhythm. They looked so holy, so convinced, as if forgiveness was a daily habit. I wasn’t fooled. My stomach growled, reminding me my own need was far more urgent—food.

“Hey, Sisi.”

I turned. My big sister, Anna, stood in the aisle, smiling like a secret getaway.

“Hey!” I answered, already knowing what she wanted.

“Come on, let’s use the restroom.”

The relief I felt was instant, like escaping a stuffy room into fresh air. I nodded eagerly.

We slipped out, leaving behind the drone of the sermon. I’ve always loved my family—just the four of us, the Tesins. In church, we were the picture of a perfect, respectable home. Dad and Mom worked tirelessly to make sure Anna and I had everything we needed.

In the restroom, Anna, was practically bouncing.

“Happy birthday to me, happy birthday to me…” she sang under her breath, a grin stretching across her face.

“Anna!” I hissed. “Lower your voice. We’re still in church.”

“Sorry,” she whispered, but her eyes twinkled. “Did you see Mrs. Daniel nodding while the pastor talked about forgiveness? That’s the same woman who fought another lady at the salon for calling her son ugly.”

I couldn’t help it—I burst out laughing, forgetting I’d just told her to be quiet.

Anna’s smile softened. “Sisi, I’m eighteen today. Next week, I’m leaving for college. I’ll be able to make my own choices—wear what I want, go where I want… and I wish the same for you.”

I sighed. Our parents’ rules had always been strict—clothes, friends, outings—everything was controlled. Dating was forbidden. Anna had managed to keep her boyfriend a secret, but I’d never dared.

“Let’s get back before Mom starts looking for us,” she urged.

At school, I often listened to girls talk about their boyfriends—sweet messages, romantic dates, stolen kisses. I had nothing to add. Still, there was Benedict. Benedict with the perfect voice, flawless skin, and eyes that seemed to hold the whole world.

“All rise as we say the Lord’s Prayer,” Pastor Augustine announced.

Finally, the service ended. But of course, we couldn’t leave until my parents exchanged greetings with half the congregation.

“Hi, Sisi.”

The voice was warm, familiar—and dangerous. I turned.

It was him. Benedict.

“Hi, Ben,” I managed, my cheeks heating.

He smiled faintly, then extended his hand with something folded in his palm. “I just wanted to give you this.”

I took the paper, my fingers brushing his. Before I could even lift my head again, he was gone—vanished into the crowd like a fleeting dream. I could not even say more if he was standing before me

At school, I was used to hearing girls talk about their boyfriends—how sweet they were, the gifts they exchanged, the little romantic things they did together. Normally, I would just smile faintly and pretend not to care. But today… today was different.

My fingers were still wrapped tightly around the folded piece of paper Ben had given me in church. Even in the car, I could feel its weight—not in grams, but in meaning. I couldn’t stop thinking about him: his gentle smile, the calm confidence in his voice, the way his eyes seemed to see straight through me.

I was dying to know what was written inside.

“Sisi, you look happy,” Anna’s voice cut into my thoughts. “Did something happen? Did I miss something funny in church?”

I blinked at her, startled. I hadn’t realized she’d been watching me.

“It’s nothing,” I lied quickly. “I’m just happy to go home and celebrate your birthday with you.”

She smirked knowingly. “Well, you’ll be even happier when you see what’s coming. Josh is bringing me a cake and chocolates later—you’ll have plenty to eat.”

I turned to her sharply. “Really? Josh is coming over?”

This would be his first visit, and my curiosity immediately shifted.

“Anna… do Mom and Dad even know about you and Josh?” I asked, lowering my voice.

She shrugged with that fearless confidence that only Anna could pull off. “Relax. They won’t do anything harsh. Now come on—let’s go change. He’ll be here by five.”

---

The sharp knock at the front door came sooner than expected.

“Coming!” Anna called, practically sprinting across the living room.

Mom’s eyebrows lifted in surprise. “Anna is very excited,” she remarked, glancing at me. Everyone knew my sister avoided answering the door at all costs.

“Sisi, pass me the salt,” she added, turning back to her cooking.

I handed it over with a smile. Mom loved cooking—it was her element, her art.

I hesitated, then cleared my throat. “Mom, can I ask you something? Can I get a phone? All my classmates have one.”

Her hands paused over the pot. “Sisi, we’ve talked about this.”

“Yes, I know. But I’m sixteen now, and a phone could help with my studies,” I reasoned, forcing myself to sound mature.

Her lips pressed together in thought before she finally said, “Alright. You’ll get a phone. You’re starting high school tomorrow, anyway.”

A grin spread across my face, and I hugged her tightly. It was the sweetest thing she’d said to me in a long time.

“But promise me,” she added, her voice softening, “it won’t distract you from your studies.”

“I promise, Mom,” I replied, meaning it. Education was everything to my parents.

---

“Mom, are you done cooking?” Anna’s voice rang from the living room.

“Yes, darling. Do you need anything?”

Anna hesitated. “Actually… umm… I… could you just come with me to the living room?”

Mom’s eyes narrowed slightly, suspicion flickering in her gaze. “Alright, Anna.”

I trailed behind them, and there he was—Josh.

I had seen pictures before, but in person, he was different. His skin was a smooth, rich chocolate tone, his dark hair trimmed neatly, and his beard was sharp enough to look deliberate yet soft enough to touch.

“Who is this, Anna?” Mom asked, her voice steady but curious.

“Mom, meet my boyfriend, Josh,” Anna said, her smile just a little too wide. “Josh, this is my mom. And this,” she added, gesturing toward me, “is my sister, Sisi.”

Josh rose politely. “Hello, Mrs. Philips,” he said, offering his hand.

“Hello, Josh. Nice to meet you. I hope you’re hungry—I just finished cooking,” Mom replied with warmth that I wasn’t expecting.

Josh smiled, clearly relieved. Maybe Anna was right—Mom wouldn’t blow up about this.

“Mrs. Philips, I brought you something,” he said, handing her a neatly wrapped gift.

“Oh, thank you, darling,” Mom said, taking it with genuine appreciation.

The tension melted away after that. The cake and chocolates appeared on the table, laughter filled the room, and everything felt light.

Still, in the back of my mind, the folded paper in my pocket was burning like a secret flame.

Ben’s words were waiting.

And I knew that as soon as I was alone, I’d find out exactly what they said.

“Why didn’t you tell me sooner about Josh?” Mom’s voice was calm, but her eyes were searching.

Anna lowered her head, her fingers twisting together. “Sorry, Mom. I wasn’t sure if you’d approve. I was scared… you’ve always said no dating.”

Mom’s sternness softened. She reached forward and pulled Anna into a warm hug.

“It’s okay, darling. Josh seems like a good guy—well-mannered, respectful. I can see why you like him.”

Anna’s tense shoulders relaxed, and they both laughed quietly.

“You’ll be starting college soon,” Mom added, her voice taking on a more serious tone. “I want you to always be a good child of God, no matter where you go.”

“Yes, Mom,” Anna said, her voice steady.

---

Earlier today, in the middle of the crowded church, I had received a note from Ben. I hadn’t dared to open it then. But now—alone in my room with only the faint hum of the ceiling fan—I couldn’t wait any longer.

My heart thudded as I unfolded the paper.

In neat handwriting, the words stared back at me:

You are wonderfully and carefully made by God Himself.

A smile crept across my face. I read it again, slowly, like it was a secret meant just for me.

All I could think about was Ben—his tall frame, the gentle curve of his smile, the way his voice filled the church whenever he sang. Did he know I liked him? I’d never told a soul.

But what if… he could tell? What if he actually liked me too?

I wished, for the hundredth time, that I had a phone. Maybe then I could talk to him without it being obvious.

---

“Boo!”

“Anna!” I nearly jumped off my bed, clutching the paper to my chest. She doubled over laughing.

“That’s not funny!” I glared, but she only grinned wider.

“Sorry, Sisi. Your door was open, and you looked completely lost in your thoughts. I figured I’d bring you back to reality.”

My pulse was still racing when her gaze dropped to my hands. “And what’s that?” she asked, narrowing her eyes. “Don’t tell me you’re hiding something from me.”

This Anna could never mind her own business.

“It’s nothing,” I said quickly, folding the paper. “Just my wish list for the new month.”

She tilted her head knowingly. Our wish lists were our secret tradition—things we wrote down, prayed over, and never shared with anyone else.

“Okay,” she said slowly. “But I think one of your wishes is already being granted.”

My eyes widened. “You know?”

“Of course I know! Mom told me about the phone. Congratulations, baby Sisi!”

I laughed, shaking my head. “Thanks. And congratulations to you too—on having a boyfriend.”

Anna grinned, clearly pleased. “By the way, I brought you more chocolates. Don’t finish them all tonight,” she teased, placing them on my desk. “Good night.”

As the door closed behind her, I exhaled.

She could never know about Ben’s letter. Not yet.