(Josh's pov)

I came home and sat in my room for the rest of the day, staring at the card that Tyler gave me. I was debating on whether I should use it or not.

In my mind, I didn't want to because I still believe I shouldn't trust a Catholic, but my heart was telling me to go for it.

I believed my heart more than my mind because it's not as complex. It's not hard and uneasy on me. My heart is taming, like how mom talked about how sweet the Immaculate Heart is.

Before I could make up my mind, my little sister Ashley walked in.

"Sorry to disturb you Josh, but it's time for dinner."

Without arguing, I stood up.

"I'll coming down now."

"You're not gonna yell at me?"

"Why should I?"

"Because you hate us, and we hate you."

My mind told me to get mad at my little sister, but it wasn't right. I couldn't do it. My heart stopped me before I could.

I got downstairs and joined the table with my family. They even noticed how calm and tame I was.

As soon as mom sat down with dad and my other little sister, we all held hands for the mealtime prayer.

"Jordan, please say the prayer for us."

"Bless us O Lord and these thy gifts which we are about to receive from thy bounty through Christ our Lord. Amen."

When we finished the prayer, we started eating.

"Josh, you're really calm tonight." My mom said.

"Yes mom. I am."

"That's a very good improvement. You must of listened a lot during Mass."

"I tried to."

"Well son, I'm sure the priest will pardon you next confession." My dad told me.

"Let's hope so."

My heart began to tell me to except Tyler's offer. But I realized that I would have to leave the house for hours a day. Still, I needed help, and I knew Tyler was the right option for me.

"Mom?"

"Yes Josh?"

"Is it possible for me to leave the house for a week or two?"

Mom put her fork down.

"And for what reason?"

"There is something I want to do to improve my life."

"You never want to improve your life. Even though you're being really kind to us today, I know tomorrow you'll be mean and cruel like Satan."

"Mom, I ain't lying. I want to fix myself, and maybe get back to salvation."

In her state of doubt, she turned to my dad.

"Could we trust him?"

"I don't see why not." He replied. "Josh does sound like he's telling the truth. Besides, improvement means less time in purgatory."

"Ok Josh. I'll let you leave the house, but only for one week. If you come back not improved, the separation will continue."

"Yes mom."

"Alright, if we're all done, let's go ahead and begin our evening prayers."

We all got up and headed to the living room and gathered in a circle like usual.

"Alright everyone." My mom said. "Let us pray."

"Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day, our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation. But deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen."

My mom turned to me.

"Josh, do you remember the Sacred Heart prayer by St. Gertrude?"

"Unfortunately no."

"Very well."

She then turned to Abby.

"Abby, please say the prayer for us."

"O Sacred Heart of Jesus, fountain of eternal life, your Heart is a growing furnace of love. You are our refuge and our sanctuary. O my adorable and loving Saviour, consume our hearts with the burning fire with which yours is alfamed. Pour down on our souls those graces which flow from your love. Let our hearts be united with yours. Let our will be conformed to yours in all things. May your will of all my desires and actions. Amen."

Everyone did the sign of the cross, and this time, I actually did it.

I wasn't proud of myself, as my mind had said, but I did it and that was all that mattered.

Someday, if I take Tyler's advice correctly, I may get back in the family and become a great Catholic.