John nodded slowly, "I understand, Father, but receiving a formal confession from your hands will help heal me."

The Bishop took a deep breath and said, "As you wish."

     After finishing his confession, John felt a massive weight lift off his chest. He walked out to Arya, who was waiting patiently for him. Arya looked up and asked, "Done? Can we go? I'm so hungry."

John smiled warmly and replied, "Yes, me too."

Arya tilted her head and playfully asked, "Today you are looking very cute. Did you do makeup?"

John chuckled and shook his head, "No, dear."

They both went back home. After finishing their breakfast, Arya noticed John sitting on the floor, his head resting on the edge of the sofa cushions.

Arya called out to him, but there was no response. She walked over and tapped his shoulder, but still, he didn't react. She noticed his forearms were resting on the sofa, creating a small gap between them. Curiously, she squeezed her head right into that space and peered up at his face. John was staring blankly ahead, his eyes wide open, completely lost in his own peaceful thoughts and unaware of his surroundings.

"Johnu!" Arya called out, lightly scratching his nose.

    John finally snapped back to reality. He jumped slightly, shocked to see Arya's little face hovering so close to his. He sat up straight on the floor and asked, "Hey, what happened?"

Arya climbed onto the sofa right behind him, casually resting her legs over his shoulders. "What happened to you? I was calling you."

He smiled softly, "Today, I'm just so happy."

Arya leaned forward and asked, "Why? Got a girlfriend?"

John turned his head to look at her—her legs still draped over his shoulders—and replied, "I already have one!"

    Arya's eyes went wide. "Who is that girl? Can you show me?"

John grinned, pulled out his phone, and showed her the selfie they had taken together earlier that morning.

Arya looked confused. "This is just me?"

John gently pinched her cheek and replied, "You are my girl friend. A friend who is a girl."

Arya blushed furiously and threw her arms around his neck, hugging him tightly. "Awwww, I'm not your girlfriend! I'm just five years old. I'll be your baby friend!"

John ruffled her hair and laughed out loud. "Baby friend! Sounds good to me! Okay, dear, I'm thinking we should go outside. Tell me, where do you want to go?"

Arya lit up with excitement. "I don't know, ask Mumma!"

    John nodded and started a video call with Anvi. She answered after a few rings. "Yes, John. Did you just get back from church?"

Arya grabbed the phone screen and yelled, "Mumma! Did you have breakfast?"

Anvi smiled, "Yeah, I just ate." She noticed how comfortably Arya was sitting with her dad and asked fondly, "What's going on over there?"

Arya said, "Johnu and I want to go outside. Where should we go?"

Anvi immediately shook her head. "John, don't take her outside."

Arya frowned, her excitement dropping. "Why? What did I do wrong?"

Anvi sighed, "John, listen. Every time I take her out, she always ends up crying over something. Just don't take her outside today."

John burst out laughing while Arya protested loudly, "No, Mumma, you are telling a lie!" She turned to John, pointing an accusing finger at the screen. "Johnu, don't believe her. Bad mummy."

John immediately took Arya's side. "Anvi madam, she won't cry. I promise. Am I right, Arya?"

     Arya instantly agreed, nodding her head vigorously. "Yes, I won't! Pinky promise."

Anvi smiled softly, giving in to the duo. "Okay, John. Just take care of her, alright?"

Arya gave a crisp, dramatic little salute to the camera and declared, "I won't cry, officer!" before breaking into a fit of giggles.

The laughter echoed through the room as they finally got ready to head out together.

Will this Sunday outing be the turning point that finally cements their bond?