Small flash fics dedicated to the characters and relationships of the Midnight Mass miniseries, written with the help of the special words of Writober 2021 ♥
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(John Pruitt - Monsignor Paul Hill)
•••
Something perfect is something done and finished, completely, right? But who defines the standards of excellence? John has often wondered this over the course of his long life. Eighty years old and feeling them all on, though, looking in the mirror and seeing himself so damn young - the best version of him- did not give him any answer; Is this then perhaps perfection? No. He has understood one thing since he returned to Crockett: beauty is in the imperfection. Even seeing Mildred so faded does not erase the beauty that has characterized her entire life. Even now. Even now that she swaps him - she recognizes him, as Father Pruitt, perhaps the only person who can remember him so well, that John can't even lie to her. Or Leeza Scarborough's smiles, full of life, although Joe Collie has practically ruined it. Or perhaps the stubbornness of Erin Greene, who carries on a pregnancy without a father by her side, but with the unconditional love that only a mother can give to a creature that she can now only image.
Or in the melancholy eyes - yet not dull, of Riley Flynn, who looks up at his and silently asks him not to bless him, because he feels imperfect and undeserving - because he is a killer. Even if he wasn't really there, with his head, the day he killed someone.
But the Lord operates in mysterious ways and, among many, chooses the most broke – broke as Riley is, under his protective wing.
"Riley, remember that You Are Dust, and to Dust You Shall Return." It almost seems like a threat, but it isn't. Then John adds, with a smile, establishing that for himself those imperfections are other shades that faith has given him and to take care of. Take care of all Crockett and save it.
"I bless you, son," he says, And I give you eternal life.
