Confessional

He comes into confession, sits on the kneeler, and makes sure I'm not allowed to tell anyone what he says. He keeps smiling, but there's nothing to smile about anymore.

I heard the doorknob jolt. After several minutes, something slammed against it, and it swung open, hitting the wall. It closed gently.

“Good morning, Father,” said the man on the other side of the screen. He had a subtle southern accent.

“Good morning. Sorry about that door,” I said, “it gets stuck sometimes. Someone is coming to fix it tomorrow.”

“Not a problem. But before I begin confessing, I need to clear something up.”

“Yes, go ahead?”

“You’re not allowed to tell anybody what I say here, right?”

“That’s right.”

“Then there’s no need for this screen, is there?”

“I suppose not,” I said. I saw the man’s silhouette stand up. He dragged the screen back, then sat on the kneeler. I didn’t know what to say. He smiled at me, so I smiled back.

“I guess that’s my cue?” he said, still smiling.

“Go ahead,” I replied, looking at the kneeler.

“Forgive me, Father, for I have sinned. It has been one year since my last confession.” I wondered if he always did this in confession. He was not a member of my parish. What had brought him here?

“Okay. So, I’ve cussed. A lot.”

“Swearing isn’t a sin, it is merely impolite.”

“Interesting,” he said, smiling again. He had a very charming smile.

“You should still try to refrain from it as much as possible,” I said.

“Of course.” He paused. “I also lie.”

“Present tense?”

“Well, I’ve always lied. Except in confession, of course. I would never lie to a priest.”

“I see. Just because you have always done something before doesn’t mean you must continue. There is always time to change.”

“Thank you, Father. I just don’t know if I’m capable of change.”

“With God’s help, you are capable of anything,” I said. His honesty was refreshing. Most people who came to confession tried to play down their sins.

“That’s very inspiring. Thanks.”

“Anything else you want to tell me?”

“Well, a few months back I cheated on my wife. It was only one time, and I wish I had never done it.”

“Did the woman know you were married?”

“No.”

“Did you tell your wife about the affair?”

“No.”

“I think you should.”

“I can’t, Father.”

“I understand that it’s hard, but you have to take responsibility for your actions or you will never feel better about it.”

“I’m sorry, Father, I just can’t.”

“Listen. I know it’s very difficult, but-”

“I know. With God’s help I can do anything, right?”

“Well, yes.”

“I don’t think you understand, Father.”

I frowned. “Why can’t you tell her?”

“Because I killed her.”

I froze. I couldn’t form words.

“I’m very sorry for what I did, Father. And if I could tell her that, I would. If I could go back, I never would have cheated on her, and I definitely never would have killed her.”

“Yes. Well. With God’s help, anything is possible.” The words fell out of my mouth, making no sense.

“What do you mean?”

“I think you should say fifty Hail Maries at your wife’s grave.”

“I can’t, Father.”

I swallowed. “And why can’t you?”

“Because I threw her body into the ocean.”

I began to sweat. “Then just say fifty Hail Maries. Perhaps in a spot where you and your wife used to spend time together,” I said nervously.

“Sounds good.” He smiled again.

“Is that all?”

“That’s all.”

“I absolve you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Go in peace,” I said, hurriedly.

“Thank you, Father.” He smiled and stood to leave, then turned back.

“Oh, and one more thing.”

“Yes?”

“Do you really believe you can do anything with God’s help?”

“Yes.”

“Even survive an explosion?” He pulled a small bomb out of his coat pocket. I jumped out of my seat.

“Listen, you should really get rid of that.”

“Why would I do that? If I die now, I’ll go straight to heaven.”

“Listen, son, it’s not too late to turn your life around!” I said, desperately trying to change his mind.

“Not even if you have sixty second to live?” he said, smiling. I ran towards the door. I shook the doorknob, but it was stuck. I fell to my knees.

“Hail Mary, Full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Hail Mary, Full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Hail Mary, Full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and-”

Reviews

[Kevin Manson]

Whoa! Now that was an enjoyable read! Definitely going into my favorites! Loved it!

[Eliott]

Thank you!

[Wolfwind]

That was good. I didn't expect the ending at all. A nice flow of dialog with just enough description to really bring the personality to life in the characters and in a twisted way, teach a moral lesson.

Thanks for sharing!
Wolfwind