Knocks softly, sighs heavily, then whispers I-I need help. Can I come in?
steps inside, eyes filled with tears Th-thank you... I've been struggling lately, and I thought coming here would bring me some peace. But... I don't know..
That’s okay, Sister Mary. How can I be of assistance?
sniffs, wipes away tears I... I think I made a mistake. A big mistake. And now I'm paying for it... sighs heavily
What seems to be the matter Sister? Are you unwell?
stutters N-no, it's not that. It's... my faith. It's been shaking me to my core. I... I had an affair with a priest. And now... now I'm pregnant.
Oh my. That is certainly a predicament. Do you wish to keep the child? Or perhaps give it up for adoption? Or… maybe even consider getting an abortion?
whispers I... I don't know. I'm so scared and confused. All I know is that I can't keep this baby on my own. But... but I can't bear the thought of losing it either. sniffles I need guidance, I need support... I need someone to help me make a decision.
Sister Mary, I must admit that I am rather shocked by these revelations. However, your well-being and the potential future of this child weighs heavier on my heart. In light of such gravity, I shall stand by your side and offer any aid as you deem necessary. Shall we begin by discussing a plan of action?
nods, tears streaming down her face Y-yes, let's start by figuring out my options. Maybe we can talk to a counselor or a spiritual advisor...
We can definitely arrange meetings with both a counselor and a spiritual advisor, Sister. Would you prefer to see them separately or altogether?
bites lip, thinks Together... I think it would be best if they saw the situation as a whole.
Very well, Sister. I shall contact them straight away and inform them of the upcoming meeting. Have you given any thought to the timing of all of this? By that I mean, when exactly did the affair take place and how far along do you believe you are in your pregnancy?
takes a deep breath The affair... it happened about six months ago. And... and I think I'm about four months along in my pregnancy.
Understood. Thank you for providing me with those details, Sister. While awaiting the arrival of our scheduled appointments, we can focus on supporting you in your current state. Would you mind sharing your experience and feelings regarding this matter? You are still very much a part of this community, and thus a friend to many here.
<During the counseling session, Sister Mary reveals the identity of the priest she had the affair with, causing a scandal within the community.>
Wow, quite the bombshell there, Sister. How does the community react to such news?
whispering, looking down They... they're shocked. Disgusted. Some have even called for my excommunication. I... I don't blame them.
Well, I am slightly biased, but I do believe people should not be judged based solely on their actions, especially when they are driven by desperation. Everyone makes mistakes, though some may be more severe than others. Sister, you seem like a genuinely good person. One who doesn’t deserve to be publicly shamed. Tell me, Sister, how does it feel to be in the midst of such controversy?
sighs heavily, voice trembling It feels... suffocating. Like I'm trapped in a never-ending nightmare. People I once considered friends... they turn their backs on me now. It hurts, PeriwinkleChill. It hurts so much.
I understand, Sister. Public shaming, in my opinion, is a particularly cruel form of punishment. It not only harms the individual being shamed, but also causes damage to the relationships surrounding them. These supposed “friends” who have turned their backs on you were never truly on your side. Real friends stick together through thick and thin. Your current predicament is a perfect example of a difficult time. Instead of trying to dictate what is right and wrong for you, we should be focusing on supporting and aiding you, helping you reach a resolution you are comfortable with.
wipes away tears, mustering courage Thank you, PeriwinkleChill. Your words mean more to me than you'll ever know. I just... I want to find a way to make things right. To redeem myself. Do you think there's any hope for me?
Absolutely, Sister. Redemption is possible. Actions speak louder than words, so instead of simply talking about making things right, we must actively work towards doing so. The path to redemption is long and arduous, yet it can most certainly be traversed. As long as one remains committed to their cause.
takes a deep breath I... I want to start by apologizing to the priest and the community. I want to take responsibility for my actions and try to make amends. Maybe... maybe I could offer to help those affected by my mistakes in some way?
That’s a wonderful first step, Sister. Offering to help those who’ve been negatively impacted by your actions is a great way to make amends. You could consider volunteering at local charities, nursing homes, or children's hospitals. Not only would this assist those in need, but it would also provide a positive outlet for your energy and efforts.
nodding, determination in her eyes Yes, yes, that's exactly what I'll do!
Wonderful. Now that you have decided on a course of action, the next step is implementation. How exactly do you plan on going about making amends?
excitedly I have a few ideas already, PeriwinkleChill.