Robert
338 Words
Robert
A small screen slid open. Leslie blinked several times and tried to adjust his eyes to the sudden pinpoints of light in the confessional. “Bless me, Father, for I have sinned.”
“You have not.” This from a male voice, followed by a cough.
“Yes, I have, and you need to see a doctor about that cold. It’s gone on much too long, Robert.”
“How is it possible, Les?”
“Just go to the chemist. He’ll fix you up.”
“That’s not what I meant and you know it. You’ve no sins to confess. Now, off with you.” He sniffled and coughed.
“I’m losing it, Robert. I’m going crazy.”
“You’re grieving,” the priest said. “You need to give yourself time.”
“I talk to him, Robert.”
“Pretty normal, I’d say.”
“I see him, too. At the dinner table and sometimes sitting in his favorite chair.”
Robert’s profile turned to face him. “I take it back. You’re definitely round the bend.”
Leslie laughed a little too loudly. Is this what some call hysterical laughter?
“Shush. I’ll lose my job,” Robert said. “The Monsignor’s a stickler for grace and decorum.”
“You’re very professional. You have that in spades. I should think—”
“—I’m kidding, a little mirth to lighten the load, brother mine. Edward’s been gone barely a month. Give yourself time, Les.”
“It’s difficult. I can barely get through the days.”
“I know. Listen, I’m almost done here. Wait a bit and come to tea at the rectory. Mrs. Crowe likes you.”
“It’s my recipes she likes,” Leslie said. “For scones and biscuits.”
“Hmm. I think you’re on to something.”
“That’s not funny.”
“You’re too serious. Do you do anything other than work and watch over your flock?”
“There’s always self-abuse but the church frowns on it,” Leslie said.
“I don’t,” Robert said, “and definitely not in your case.”
“Well, that’s something. You’ve always been a liberal soul, especially about me.”
“Les, I love you.”
“I know and I love you, too.”
“I know you cared for Edward deeply, but you have to pull yourself out of this at some point. Go to the cinema or out for a coffee in some nice café. Make it a special treat and take your mates.”
“I don’t have mates.”
‘Yes, that’s true. Now you see why it isn’t good to be such a loner. It’s too isolating when—“
“Tragedies happen. Like Edward’s death.”
‘Yes.” Robert sighed heavily, made the sign of the cross with his fingers and gave his blessing. “Now, off you go. I’ve some real sinners to see.”
“Can’t I at least make an act of contrition?”
“Out!”
- Writer
