A momentary shaft of light interrupted his thoughts as the door opened and closed on the other side of the confessional.
Before even a word was spoken, he knew it was she, and knew the consequence of her visit. His serenity vanished, fluttering off into the horizon as if a startled dove.
Her now familiar, intoxicating perfume wafted through the stall and permeated his mind.
His agony of doubt had commenced.
"Forgive me Father, for I have sinned."
He felt the muscles in his genitals contract involuntarily.
"I have committed shameful, and deplorable acts. I have succumbed to temptation, and now seek forgiveness. I wish to be cleansed in the eyes of The Lord."
Through the small lattice screen he could see her mouth, her moistened lips, parted as in a sigh.
With conscious effort, he dutifully uttered his now familiar response.
"So long as we are in this world my child, we are exposed to temptations, and need ever to be on our watch against them. Tell me of your sins, so that you may repent and be forgiven."