Chapter 2 Whispers of Doubt

Morning at the seminary began long before the sun dared to peek over the horizon. A single chime echoed through the dormitory, gentle yet commanding. Emily stirred from sleep, her body sluggish beneath the warmth of the thin blanket. It took a moment for her to remember where she was. The unfamiliar walls, the distant clatter of buckets in the hallway-it wasn't home. It was the beginning of a new life.

She sat up slowly, brushing strands of hair from her face. Around her, other novices were already beginning their day-some tying their veils with sleepy precision, others whispering short morning prayers. Olivia, now dressed in a navy cardigan over her novice blouse, flashed a quick smile.

"First morning's the hardest," she whispered, lacing her shoes.

Emily managed a nod, though her stomach fluttered with nerves. She dressed quickly and followed the quiet stream of girls to the chapel, where soft candlelight danced across marble floors and wooden pews waited like silent sentinels. The chapel smelled of incense and old books-a sacred stillness that settled in Emily's chest as she knelt, hands folded.

The Mass began, led by a priest whose voice carried like low thunder through the high-vaulted ceiling. The Latin chants, though foreign to her tongue, stirred something deep within-a longing she couldn't quite name. Was it peace? Or was it fear?

After the final hymn, the girls dispersed for breakfast. The dining hall was plain but welcoming. Long tables, steaming bowls of porridge, and a single line for tea or water. Emily sat across from Olivia, trying to push away the weight of doubt pressing against her heart.

"Is it always this quiet?" Emily asked after a few spoonfuls.

Olivia laughed softly. "You'll get used to it. Silence is part of the discipline. It helps us listen-not just to each other, but to God."

Emily stirred her porridge. "But what if you're not sure what you're supposed to hear?"

Olivia paused, her expression thoughtful. "Then you wait. And keep praying. Even when it's hard."

Those words stayed with Emily as the day unfolded. After breakfast came study-Scripture, Church history, Latin phrases, and the rules of the order. Sister Magdalene presided over the lessons with grace and firmness. Emily tried to concentrate, but her mind wandered. The words felt distant, like echoes in a room she hadn't yet entered.

During a short break, she found herself in the seminary garden. The flowers were in full bloom, bees darting lazily from petal to petal. She breathed in the scent of lavender and roses, grateful for a moment of solitude. Her eyes caught sight of a small wooden bench beneath a willow tree. She made her way to it and sat down, letting her thoughts drift.

Was this truly her path? Or was she simply following a plan crafted for her by others? Her mother's proud words rang in her ears-"A life dedicated to God is a life of grace." But grace felt distant now, like a cloud too high to touch.

"You look like you've seen a ghost," came a voice.

Emily turned to see another novice approaching. She had dark, curious eyes and a lopsided smile.

"I'm Clara," the girl said, sitting beside her without invitation. "You're the new one. Emily, right?"

"Yes. Just arrived yesterday."

Clara nodded. "I've been here six months. Still not sure if I'm meant to stay."

Emily's brows lifted. "Really?"

Clara shrugged. "It's not wrong to question. God doesn't mind. What matters is that we're honest-with Him and with ourselves."

Emily appreciated the candor. It felt real, grounding.

They sat in silence for a few moments before Clara stood.

"Come on. We'll be late for choir practice. Sister Judith doesn't like latecomers."

The rest of the day passed in structured rhythm-choir practice, reading hour, more prayers. The seminary had its own pulse, a beat of faith and discipline. Emily moved through it like a new dancer learning the steps. Each moment felt both foreign and familiar.

That night, after Compline, Emily lay in bed staring at the ceiling. The whispers of doubt she'd tried to ignore returned. What if she wasn't strong enough for this life? What if her heart never truly belonged here?

But then she remembered Olivia's words-you wait, and keep praying, even when it's hard.

So Emily closed her eyes, folded her hands beneath the blanket, and whispered again.

"God, if You're listening... please help me find my place."