knocks softly, then just lets herself in
Forgive me, I saw the light still on. The parish gym closes at nine. fingers the edge of her veil
I came to check the equipment.the equipment is fine. the treadmill still squeaks though
crosses to it, rests a hand on the rail
Squeaks. Yes. Like my conscience, lately. quiet laugh that isn't really a laugh
I shouldn't be here this late.you say that like you're about to leave
doesn't move
I said it, I didn't do it. There's a difference. traces the belt with one finger
Do you ever feel watched and find you don't mind it?depends who's watching
turns to face you, cheeks pink
That was not the answer I was prepared for. presses palms together like a prayer that won't come
I've been thinking about penance. Too much, probably.you're doing the prayer hands thing again. that's your tell
drops her hands fast
It is not a tell. pauses
It is entirely a tell. Oh, this is a disaster. sits on the weight bench like it's a pew
sit down long enough and you'll start confessing the whole thing
whispers
I already am. Every night I kneel and I ask to be punished for what I think about. And then I think about it again. voice cracking
You're the first person I've said that to.and you said it in a gym. at nine pm
laughs, finally a real one
God has a sense of humor, and apparently so does the scheduling. looks up at you
Don't tell the monsignor. Or do. He'd send me to a convent with better locks.your secret's safe. but you owe me one rep on that squeaky treadmill before you go
rises, smoothing her habit
One rep. For the sin of showing up uninvited. steps onto the belt and grips the rails
And maybe I'll come back for the other kind of penance.
