Did you know that during archaeological excavations beneath Saint Peter’s Basilica, researchers discovered not only human remains believed to be those of Saint Peter… but also the perfectly preserved skeleton of a tiny field mouse?

That one detail set my imagination spinning.

In today’s episode, I share the rough first version of a new story inspired by that curious find—a tale of storms and satchels, of fear and friendship, of a little mouse who might have been closer to Peter than anyone ever imagined.

The story’s still raw, unfinished, full of half-formed images and spur-of-the-moment ideas. But I love sharing these early drafts, because this is where stories are born: not with outlines and edits, but with questions and wonder.

And if you want to read the polished version of The Rock and the Pebble—you’ll find it on Substack: https://fatherroderick.substack.com/p/the-rock-and-the-pebble