The conclave begins tomorrow.

In just a few days, a name will echo from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica. The white smoke will rise. The world will hold its breath.

And we’ll meet a new pope.

But what if—just for a moment—you let your imagination run a little further? What if the name announced wasn’t one you expected? What if the figure that stepped onto that balcony wasn’t what anyone saw coming?

That’s the story I ended up telling on a walk this week. I didn’t plan it. I just hit record. And somehow, out came a short story about tradition, surprise, and what it might mean when the Holy Spirit truly does something unexpected.

This is the first in a new personal challenge I’ve set for myself: one short story every day. Some will be light. Others more reflective. But all of them, I hope, will spark a bit of wonder.

You can listen to this one—the story of After the White Smoke—in this episode.

And if you enjoy it, let me know. I’d love to hear what you imagine when the smoke finally rises.