The letter envelope bore a Dublin postmark.
Sister Alyssa was thrilled beyond words. After almost three months, she finally heard from Sister Sarah! No, scratch that. Sarah had renounced her vows, left the Church, and returned to the secular world. She now goes by Mary Connolly, her birth name.
When Sister Alyssa opened the envelope in her convent room, a photo fell out and landed on the floor. Alyssa picked up the photo and looked at it. Mary was wearing a nun's coif, her back to the camera, looking over her shoulder with her flirty smile, and holding up an article of black clothing. Mary was also stark naked. Alyssa blushed. Then she laughed. Typical Mary behavior. A third reaction, however, hit Alyssa.
Alyssa and Mary had been lovers. The sight of Mary's nude body brought back memories. Covert assignations in different locations. Furtive glances and stolen kisses. The ways and means they gave each other physical pleasure.
Alyssa continued reading the letter. Mary was getting along fine in Dublin, enjoying the arts scene and the nightlife. Mary had gotten work as a dancer in one of the many Dublin strip clubs. "'Tis a real treat for me to be doing all this sexy dancing. The lads are absolutely mad for me, especially my bum!!!"
Alyssa felt her eyes tear up when she reached the letter's concluding paragraph. "I'm so lonely here in this lovely city. And I miss you so much! Can you not get away for at least a fortnight, luv? It would mean the world to me!"
Alyssa set Mary's letter down and briefly wept. She did so want to see Mary, hold Mary, and yes, love Mary. As Alyssa wiped her eyes, a thought came to her. She analyzed the thought, considered it, and made a decision.
Three days later, Alyssa stood at the local train station ticket window. When the station agent asked how he could help her, Alyssa replied, "One ticket for Dublin, please." 
