Chapter 3: Set Up
Alexis sat on the couch, her legs curled up beneath her, a blanket draped over her shoulders. She sipped her tea, the warmth doing little to calm her nerves. The apartment was filled with the scent of lavender, the candle on the coffee table casting long, dancing shadows on the wall. The ticking of the grandfather clock in the hallway echoed through the living room, each second a reminder of the time ticking away until Father Leonard arrived.
Her mind was a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions. She couldn't stop thinking about what had happened earlier, about the disgusting act she had performed for the homeless man.
Father Leonard enters, sits down and watches.
“It has been a while since your last confession, Alexis. Let’s have one today” he insisted. “But today you shall do it in your true form as the day you were born” he said. Alexis eyes widened with shock, her mind racing with disbelief. She had never—not in a million years—imagined that Father Leonard would ask her to confess in the nude. She looked down at her blanket-covered body, the warmth of her tea forgotten.
“Father, I—I don’t understand. I don’t think that’s appropriate. You’re a priest, and I’m—”
Father Leonard interrupted her, his voice firm but gentle. “Alexis, I understand your concern, but remember, this is a safe space, a space of trust. Your body is a temple of God, and He sees all.
Strip yourself bare, both physically and spiritually, and let the light of His truth shine upon you.” His eyes held a steely resolve that brooked no argument.
Alexis hesitated, her heart pounding in her chest. She had always been taught that the body was sacred, a gift from God to be honored and respected. The thought of revealing herself to Father Leonard in such a way felt both terrifying and oddly liberating.
“Father, are you sure this is right?” she asked, her voice barely a whisper. “I… I don’t want to disrespect our Lord.”
Father Leonard smiled warmly, his eyes softening.
“Alexis, my dear, you are not disrespecting God by being honest and open with your true self. In fact, it is through honesty and openness that we find our path to Him. He sees all, and He loves all. Your body is a gift from Him, and it is through acceptance and understanding of this gift that we find our true selves. Trust in Him, and trust in me. I am here to guide you, to help you find your way.”
Alexis took a deep breath, her heart pounding in her chest. She could feel the heat of a blush spreading across her cheeks, but she also felt a strange sense of determination.