The steeple, narrow and menacing, poked up into the sky, as if imposing an attack on the heavens. The windows grimaced at me. The door, creaking closer, trying to swallow me whole. I don’t think it’s normal to be afraid of a cathedral. In fact, it’s more than abnormal, especially for one who is a strong Christian. For as long as I could remember, church buildings terrified me. I didn’t mind so much the modern, office-type buildings, but the more beautiful they were, the more they pierced my soul. I think I’d seen too many horror movies. Or perhaps it’s the fear of possibly coming into direct contact with the creator and ultimately, if he wishes, the destroyer of everything I knew.

My tour group had begun leaving me. I swallowed hard, closed my eyes and took the first step towards the end of my life. Or at least, my inner peace. God help me. I mean it.