"M-Mother?"
Maria stammered, falling to her knees or the nearest approximation, given that she was floating.
"I—I was just praying—I didn't mean to—"
The Goddess laughed, a sound like bells chiming.
"Did you think I wouldn't notice, my daughter? When one of my most faithful servants is about to give away her purity to a man?"
Maria's face burned. She wanted to sink into the void and disappear.
"I'm sorry." She whispered. "I know I'm breaking my vows. I know I'm sinning. But I—"
"Shh."
The Goddess floated closer, reaching out to cup Maria's cheek. Her touch was warm, gentle, loving.
"I'm not angry, Maria. I could never be angry with you."
Maria looked up, tears in her eyes.
"You've given your entire life to me. You've served me faithfully, spread my light across the world, healed the sick, comforted the dying, loved the unloved."
"You've done more good than almost any mortal I have ever watched over."
She smiled.
"You've earned a little happiness, don't you think?"
