Thread: A Talk With Maddalena

Maddalena opens the door just a sliver, and then widely. She is wearing mourning black and has a shawl over her hair. She gives the man in the wheelchair a smile and beckons him to enter the warehouse. As before the main area is completely decked out as a very realistic mock cemetary.

"Rabbi, be welcome in my home this night. Come in."

The rabbi wheels in and asks, "Did I come at a bad time? If you are in a period of mourning, I can come at another time." Apologetically, "I'm sorry, but I had no idea."

Maddalena smiles softly and escorts him over to the office where she takes a seat.

"Oh no, it's fine. A cousin, married into the family, passed away recently. And even though I am not considered part of the family any longer, I still observe as I should. So, what brings you to my door tonight?"

"I wished to have a talk with you, as invited the other night, but without the mass of folks around. I find it much easier to talk about...sensitive...topics away from crowds and that group was far from calm when talking about status and such. I also do not allow others to speak for myself, and would like to extend an offer to you."

Maddalena chuckles and sits back in her chair.
"Gatherings at my place are seldom dull, and I encourage lively debate. Please speak freely here, and let us get to know each other. And your offer."

"I was not expecting to find our shared interests in creatures here and I will honestly admit to being caught off-guard. I know that certain types are often discouraged from entering a House of God, as it is called in America, but want all to know that they are freely welcome to the one I am putting together. The only request I make, is the same as would be made of everyone; respect and follow the rules of the faith in regards to all visitors.

As for the talk you offered, I would love to hear how you operate and what you demand of all visitors to your...," the rabbi thinks for a moment, "property or properties?"

"Actually many of us here still make an occasional midnight mass. And while I appreciate your offer of visiting your place of worship, I will have to pass. Watching other religions does nothing for me. I have difficulty enough simply holding on to what belief I have left."

She sighs as if this is a conversation she's had frequently in recent nights.

"As for my property and how I operate... Are you asking about the humans I entertain, or my kindred gatherings?"

"Both, if you please. And my offer is not just for services but for any time and any reason. It is our custom to offer hospitality to all visitors, at any time, but I also don't want folks to feel that they can not enter because it will be a holy spot. I understand though about trying to hang on. That is never easy."