The confessional always smelled the same. The scent of damp wood, candlelight, and old paper. The priest listened to the voices beyond the dark partition today as well. They each sought forgiveness for their different sins.

"...And so, I wish to be forgiven."

A low, trembling voice echoed. The priest quietly closed his eyes.

If you truly repent, God will not turn His back on you.

The person beyond the partition offered a sobbing word of thanks and left. With the sound of the door closing, the cathedral returned to silence.

The priest slowly raised his head. The evening light crawled long across the floor through the faded stained glass.