He took a deep breath, steeling himself against the emotions that threatened to overwhelm him, and pushed open the heavy wooden doors. He made his way to the confessional, feeling as though he were walking to his own execution. He closed his eyes, trying to clear his mind, but her face kept intruding. He heard the door of the confessional open, and a woman's voice filled the small space. "Bless me, Father, for I have sinned. It has been..." Her voice trailed off, and he knew it was her.