The wrong saint

Sister Marianne knelt alone in the quiet church, soft colors from the stained glass windows shining all around her. She was deep in prayer, asking Saint Elizabeth for help. But she got mixed up—she meant to pray to Saint Elizabeth of Hungary, but instead asked Saint Elizabeth the cousin of the Virgin Mary. She prayed with all her heart, hoping for spiritual guidance. But as soon as she finished, a strange warmth spread through her belly. It started to grow quickly, pressing out against her nun’s robe. The fabric stretched tighter around her middle as her stomach swelled. Surprised and speechless, she sat back, wide-eyed, while the church stayed silent, the painted glass figures watching her from the walls.