Chapter 180 begins with Saint’s curiosity leading her to a church in a small, quiet town, a place filled with a sense of mystery that draws her in. Her mind drifts to the possibility that another girl may rest here, buried in the grounds of the church, though she had spent weeks going through archives, searching in vain for any record from over forty years ago. Despite the silence of the church and its surrounding grounds, there’s an undeniable feeling that something remains hidden in its history, waiting to be uncovered, and it’s this feeling that keeps her moving forward in her search.

Saint continues her exploration, walking through the narrow hallways of the church and entering a smaller building that seems almost untouched by time. Inside, rows of black-stained wooden bookshelves line the walls, and the faint smell of old paper fills the air. It is here that she encounters Sister Isabelle, who is quietly manning an old cash register, one that seems almost redundant given the lack of activity in the area. Their brief conversation is polite, but Saint feels that there’s more to be understood here. After leaving Sister Isabelle, she steps outside and circles the building, finding herself drawn to the children’s home next door. The stark concrete surroundings are brightened only by the colorful chalk drawings of numbers and shapes that children have left on the pavement. It is a symbol of life and innocence amidst the otherwise somber atmosphere. As she walks through this space, she finds a perfect gray feather, which reminds her of her grandmother’s teachings about guardian angels and protection. She carefully tucks the feather into her pocket, a small yet meaningful keepsake that feels symbolic of her current search for answers and the love that guides her.

For hours, Saint immerses herself further into the church’s history, engaging with locals and visiting the graveyard where many of the town’s residents have been laid to rest. She examines the old gravestones, taking in the engravings and inscriptions that seem to hold long-forgotten stories. As she continues her exploration, she shows the photographs of Eli Aaron to a group of elderly men and to Sister Isabelle, seeking any recognition or clues that may point her toward an answer. When she reaches the church’s pulpit, she touches the carved Latin inscriptions on the benches, contemplating their meaning as she runs her fingers across the intricate woodwork. In a quiet moment, she whispers, “What are you trying to tell me, Grace?” Seeking guidance, she steps aside for the nuns passing by and observes their calm and reverent demeanor. Their simple attire—sandals, veils, tunics, and coifs—reflects their devotion, and the rosary beads they wear serve as a tangible symbol of their faith. Saint’s own sense of devotion to the task at hand deepens, and she feels a profound connection to the sacred atmosphere of the church.

Throughout the chapter, Saint’s search through the church is much more than just an intellectual pursuit; it becomes a journey of the spirit. The deeper she delves into the past, the more she feels herself connected to her grandmother’s wisdom and the beliefs that have been passed down through generations. Each step she takes within the church’s walls and every conversation she has with the locals deepens her belief that the answers she seeks lie somewhere within this sacred space. The weight of her search is not only about uncovering the truth of the past but also about understanding the enduring influence of faith, family, and memory. As Saint continues to walk the fine line between personal discovery and her relentless search for truth, she realizes that the space around her—filled with religious symbols and old-world history—may offer her the answers she’s been seeking all along. With each passing moment, she grows closer to piecing together the puzzle of her past and the secrets the church holds.