Dan never thought of himself as a religious man. Whatever life threw at him, he'd find someway to pull through. If that was relying on others or on himself. Then he'd do it. Not even in terrible situations would he even think of turning to religion for help. There was no god. He'd told himself that over and over again. If there were then why did bad things happen? Why did horrible things such as war and disease still exist. Surely if there was an all powerful god he'd end the suffering on earth.

So why now did he find himself praying to some imaginary man in the sky?

Maybe he finally found some faith. Of maybe it was desperation. Either way, he needed to talk to someone. Anyone. He needed help and fast. And honestly, he couldn't think of anywhere else to turn.

So god it was.

It was only as he sat alone in that chapel -Hands clasped together while resting on the pew in front of him in a silent prayer- that he realised he was actually believing in something he knew nothing about, or even believed for that matter. Dan was a professional man. A lawyer to be exact. He'd done everything to impress his parents and maybe that's why he was sat here today.

He'd gone to university to study law. Settled down with a girl they liked, but he couldn't stand. Had a kid with her. And of course, this was all to keep them happy. It wasn't that he regretted being with her. She had brought the most important person into his now current life. He regretted being with her to keep his parents happy.

He knew he was gay all through high school but didn't dare to tell his parents. Having secret relationships with boys after every sour break up with a girl he just wanted to be friends with. So of course actually settling down and having a child with a girl was the hardest thing for Dan to do. He was a gentleman though. And honestly he was best friends with Katherine at the start. Of course she knew he was gay but they kept this up to keep both their parents happy. After their daughter Lilly was born, that's when the trouble began.

It started off as small arguments about silly things which had grown into full on screaming matches by the time Lilly had turned three. They broke up after that. Katherine refusing to be with him. They fought over custody of Lilly for the next year, Dan eventually winning because of his parents influence on the trial.

But that's when things started to slip.

Katherine was beyond even hating Dan by the time she somehow ended up at his parents house at a ridiculous time in the morning. Of course they let her in, only realising she was drunk when she stumbled over to the couch. Only in her drunken mind would she even have the guts to tell them what she did. She told them his biggest secret. The secret he had managed to keep for so many years.

She told them he was gay.

There were many more arguments after that. His mum and dad telling him it was wrong and immoral, and all that stupid stuff. Dan felt like a kid again. Being cornered and screamed at for messing up. But he wasn't a kid. He was a fully grown man with a child to look after.

He had to be strong.

His mum and dad made it clear they didn't want to talk to him again. Katherine moved abroad to get as far away from him as possible. If that was the guilt of knowing what she'd done to him or whatever else.

So now he was all alone.

All alone in the hospitals chapel praying to an invisible man in the sky. He questioned his sanity as he opened his eyes and sighed aloud to himself. What was he even trying to achieve by doing this? This wouldn't help.

This wouldn't save her.

His thoughts were interrupted as he heard the quiet creek of the door opening. He rubbed at his eyes tiredly, sighing once again before looking to see who had caused the noise. There, stood in the doorway was their doctor, Phil. His baby blue eyes widened as his gaze fell on Dan.

"Oh, Dan."

"Hi" Dan managed to grumble back, clearing his throat and flashing Phil what he hoped was an apologetic or at least pleasant smile. Phil nodded in acknowledgement and let his gaze fall to the floor. He made his way further into the chapel, stopping as he passed where Dan was sitting.

"You've got to have faith, Dan." he said softly as he layed a hand on Dan's shoulder "I come here everyday to pray for my patients, especially for Lilly" he paused "You just have to have faith"

Dan looked up at Phil as the dark haired mans words hit him. Faith? Faith in what? Surely if god was real he would end this nightmare already. He wouldn't let Dan suffer like this.

"But how? You've seen what she's going through. I can't just-"

"It's about patience. It will happen if we ask god for it"

"But what if there is no god. What then?"

Phil sighed softly, looking directly into Dan's eyes before giving his response.

"We can only hope there is. If not, then maybe just believing there is will make us feel better about ourselves"

Dan closed his eyes, laying his head against his still tightly clasped hands as he felt the pressure on his shoulder disappear. And sure in that moment he had no idea what he was doing or why. But he knew he was so desperate he had to try this one last resort.

"If there is anyone listening" he paused, willing his voice not to break as he felt his throat tighten with the threat of tears.

"Please don't let me lose her"