† 003. [audio]

[likeagoodson]

[ There's an abrupt noise that vaguely sounds like a sniffle. Seconds later, and it's clear that someone is crying. A very male someone. Charley's voice is muffled by the way he's bowed over, face pressed close to interlocked hands. ]

My God: I am sorry for my sins with all my heart. In choosing to do wrong and...failing to do good, I have sinned against you whom I should love above--

[ At this point, it's clear his words are strained. Tears? Hey, it takes a real man to cry. ]

--whom I should love above all things. I firmly intend, with Your help, to do penance, sin no more, and to avoid whatever leads me to sin...

[ There's silence now, aside from the weeping. And of course, no one can mistake Minea's rather loud meow in response. A pause, and the voice is much clearer this time - full of sadness, exhaustion, and loneliness; a certain someone has disappeared from the list. ]

Have mercy, please. Master, where did you go? I can't be here without you. ... Amen.

Comments

[Action]

[likeagoodson]

[ Mid-prayer, and he suddenly realizes just how wet his face is. It's embarrassing; if he had the strength, he probably would have blushed. Charley doesn't look at her, eyes still tightly shut. ]

I'm sorry. I wasn't thinking—

[ His shoulders shake just a little. He wants to be strong, but he's finding it difficult to do much else beyond crying. ]

How are you feeling?

[Action]

[kissedgoldfrog]

Don't apologize, it's not your fault.

[She walks over and puts a hand on his shoulder, trying to comfort him.]

[Action]

[likeagoodson]

[ Maybe he rubs a hand across his face this time, managing to look at her when she touches him. ]

I can only hope that he's safe.

[Action]

[kissedgoldfrog]

He better be.

[There's an underlying tone in her voice: 'He better be safe otherwise I'm going to make him sorry for hurting you'.]

[Action]

[likeagoodson]

[ He hears that double-meaning, unsure what to do except sit back and unfold his hands. They hurt from being squeezed together so tightly. ]

I don't understand, Maddie. This place makes no sense to me.

[Action]

[kissedgoldfrog]

Still trying to make sense of it.

[She sits next to him, getting redder. Damn flu.]

[Action]

[likeagoodson]

[ A glance at her, suddenly aware of how ill she is, and his own disregard for her health upsets him just a little. He touches her hand. ]

You should rest. [ And there's that slight smile. ] I'll manage...

[Action]

[kissedgoldfrog]

I'll be fine. More worried about you.

[Action]

[likeagoodson]

I've experienced worse. [ His smile is considerably thin now. ] ... Perhaps it's good that he's gone home.

[Action]

[kissedgoldfrog]

Is that the truth?

[Does not believe you, man.]

[Action]

[likeagoodson]

Which part? [ It's his attempt at a tease, but it fails miserably. He ducks his head, eyes closing. ] No. It's not the truth.

[Action]

[kissedgoldfrog]

[What could she do? The only thing her body would let her was try and hug the big lug.]