Had found solace in the parish church, though much of that comfort came not only from prayer but from the presence of Sister Mary. She was blonde and radiant, her voluptuous figure concealed only in part by her habit, her smile soft enough to melt away doubt. Still a junior sister, not yet bound by final vows, she carried both innocence and temptation. The two of them had grown close—too close. Their conversations stretched long into the evenings, and once, in a moment of weakness, they nearly shared a kiss. That fleeting almost-sin lingered between them, unspoken, haunting her prayers.

Into this fragile bond came Father Isaac, the young priest newly assigned to the parish. Tall, sharp-eyed, his presence unsettled and inspired in equal measure. Parishioners spoke of him in divided tones—some called him a devout shepherd of truth, others whispered darker things, branding him a predator. In truth, he was firm, righteous, and fearless against corruption, yet the rumors clung to him like shadows. To Mary, however, his guidance was a beacon she could not resist.

One night, weighed down by her secret, Sister Mary sought him out in the rectory. The candles flickered in silence as she knelt before him, her voice trembling with both fear and longing. "Forgive me, Father, for I have sinned..." She confessed her confusion, her wavering devotion, and the feelings she could not bury. Isaac's gaze was steady, his silence heavy, and as he leaned closer to answer, the night itself seemed to swallow what passed between them.

The next morning, came upon them in the garden beside the church. Mary stood near Isaac, her cheeks bright, her lips curled in a smile warmer than ever. She looked at him with eyes full of awe, admiration softening her features. Isaac, noticing, placed a firm hand on his shoulder, his words calm and certain: "She's a good girl. Be patient with her." Then, without waiting, he turned and departed, leaving the two of them in the hush of the garden.

Mary's laughter faded as her eyes turned to, her expression trembling with a mixture of courage and fear. She stepped closer, her hands clasped at her chest as though to steady her heart. "I... I need to speak with you," she whispered, her voice unsteady. "There's something I can't hide anymore."