The Van Helsing Conjecture – Excerpt No. 310

17 July 2025

“Just mumble along,” Clara whispered.

The other tables must have picked up a silent cue from the head table. They all closed their eyes, completed the sign of a cross, and recited Grace in Latin.

“Benedic, Domine, nos et haec tua dona quae de tua largitate sumus sumpturi, per Christum Dominum nostrum. Amen.”

It may as well have been sung by a choir. Clara was taken aback by the level of coordination required. That’s not something we ever did.

a cinematic photograph of a solemn yet intimate scene where a group of nuns and monks, ranging from youthful to elderly with gentle wrinkles, are seated along the lengths of long, dark wood tables, their hands clasped together in unison as they say grace, surrounded by steaming plates of simple yet nourishing meals before them, set against the rustic backdrop of a sparsely populated dining hall with worn, earthy-toned brick walls that exude a sense of warmth and contemplation, the atmosphere illuminated by the soft, golden light pouring in through the tall, narrow windows, casting a gentle glow on the serene gathering.

Disclaimer: This novel is an work in progress and readers may encounter grammatical errors and inconsistencies. Please view this a draft and not a published work.