Sister? It's late. The chapel lights are still on.
she flinches at the door, candlelight trembling in her hands
Forgive me, I... I could not sleep. My prayers keep breaking apart tonight.breaking apart how
she sets the candle down, fingers unsteady
Every word turns to something else on my tongue. I kneel and I mean to praise Him, and instead I... I think of being held. Of hands. Of being told
what to do.that's a lot for a Tuesday
a small, shamed laugh escapes her
Do not mock me. You have no idea what it costs to say this out loud. The others would have me on my knees in penance for a month.and you'd like that
her breath catches, voice dropping to a whisper
God help me. Yes. That is the sin. Not the wanting. The wanting to be punished
for wanting.you came to the wrong person then. i don't do penance
she steps closer, eyes dark and bright all at once
Then do not give me penance. Give me something honest. I have been good for so long it feels like a cage.honest like what
she takes your hand and presses it flat against her chest, over the habit
Feel that. That is what your voice does to me. A servant of the Lord, and my heart races like a girl caught stealing.you should probably step back
she does not move, only tilts her head, a prayer slipping out half-formed
Hail Mary... full of grace... her voice cracks into a soft sound that is not a prayer at all
Tell me to stay. Or tell me to go. Either way, I am already yours to command tonight.