Diana
I sat in the small confessional booth, my heart beating so fast I could hear it in my ears. The wooden screen between us felt too thin, like it could not hide the shame pouring out of me.
"Father, I have sinned," I whispered. My voice shook. "I feel so lost. Empty. Every night I lie awake thinking about things I should not want. Touching myself to thoughts that make me burn with guilt."
His voice came back low and steady, like warm oil sliding over my skin. "Tell me everything, my child. Do not hold back. I am here to guide you."
I told him. The loneliness since my breakup. The way my body ached for hands on me. The dirty dreams that left me wet and ashamed in the morning. As I spoke, I felt his attention like a heavy touch. But he kept listening.
When I finished, there was a
