l, waiting, his fingers lightly tapping on the wooden armrest. He had learned to expect anything in this sacred space-sorrow, guilt, h

itting alone, her head slightly bowed, her eyes fixed on the altar. Despite the shadows that seemed to cling to her, she was striking-a woman

een coming for several weeks now, each time confessing the same sin, offering the same penance, yet leaving with the same sorrow in her eyes.

onal booth, and the familiar voice of th

rsei. She's here

t. Cersei. He hadn't expected her to arrive so soon, but there was something

e he always used when inviting someone i

voiding his gaze. She slid into the small booth across from him, the scent

t softly. "Welcome, my child.

or a moment, the silence stretched between them. Father Hart could feel h

Cersei said, her voice soft,

s usual calm composure. "Please, t

to bear. "I... I'm a prostitute," she confessed, her voice barely above a whisper. "I sle

fferent. There was a rawness to her voice, a vulnerability he wasn't used to encountering in the confessional. Cersei wasn'

ut I can't stop. I feel like I'm trapped. Like it's the only thing I'm good for." She

his... this felt like a cry for help. It was clear that Cersei wasn't just asking for forg

ddiction, and survival. He had counseled others, offered them guidance, but something about Ce

ust understand, no matter how far you feel you've fallen, you are not beyond redempti

"I've tried. I've tried so many times to stop. But every time I t

ery thought. He wanted to reach through the confessional booth and take her hand, to offer her comfort in a way that words alone couldn'

ter now. "There is always a way out, but it may not be easy

Hart saw the tears she had been holding back. "I don't kn

You may feel lost, but God is always there. Take it one day at a time. Let me help you find the s

ide with a mixture of surprise an

. "I'll help you, as long as you'r

ence. Then, with a small nod, Ce

at words alone would not be enough. She had to believe in herself, and

riestly role. "Pray, reflect on these words, and remember that God's love is greater than any sin.

istening with unshed te

felt certain that he could help Cersei. But little did he know, this confession would mark the beginning of a much