Confessional, part 2 (Leavetaking)
Theresa inhaled deeply.
"I'm going away, Father."
"My child, do not turn your heart away from the church."
"Even Jesus struggled in the wilderness. He was tempted. Many of the Jewish patriarchs and Christian ascetics sat alone, in the wilderness."
More silence. Theresa knew this was impertinence, questioning.
"Goodbye. I'll see you again soon."
Tears rained down her face as she walked out of the church. "Try harder," Father always said. Everyone said that to her, because they thought her heart didn't know the concept of courage.
The blanket of clouds covering the gloomy day felt heavy. Theresa closed her eyes and heard the rushing of the wind. And silence. Deep silence, like soporific breathing. She was too passionate and hungry. A boyfriend from years ago always said she was too hungry for more of everything.
Just silence. As if God had turned its back on her. A room, vacated by an elderly relative, who then died.
"Bless me father, for I have sinned."
"I'm going away, Father."
"My child, do not turn your heart away from the church."
"Even Jesus struggled in the wilderness. He was tempted. Many of the Jewish patriarchs and Christian ascetics sat alone, in the wilderness."
More silence. Theresa knew this was impertinence, questioning.
"Goodbye. I'll see you again soon."
Tears rained down her face as she walked out of the church. "Try harder," Father always said. Everyone said that to her, because they thought her heart didn't know the concept of courage.
The blanket of clouds covering the gloomy day felt heavy. Theresa closed her eyes and heard the rushing of the wind. And silence. Deep silence, like soporific breathing. She was too passionate and hungry. A boyfriend from years ago always said she was too hungry for more of everything.
Just silence. As if God had turned its back on her. A room, vacated by an elderly relative, who then died.
"Bless me father, for I have sinned."
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