Close-up portrait of a solemn red-haired woman, with a nun

**After The Confession (Final edit)** Sister Agnes waited until the convent had fallen silent before she crossed the passageway, her slippered feet tapping lightly on the flagstones as she neared the end wall. The novice's cell was ahead of her, with a faint line of yellow candlelight visible at the base of the door. It was now a mere arm's length away, and Sister Agnes hesitated before slowly turning the handle. The door was unlatched, and she eased it open as quietly as she could. Then she stepped inside. Therese — that was her chosen name — was kneeling beside her bed, hands clasped. Nearby, a candle had burnt low enough for the wax to have almost filled the saucer. The flame guttered, then recovered. Sister Agnes drew closer. "I didn't think you would come," Therese whispered, not quite looking at her. Agnes gave a small shake of her head. "Nor did I." She had reached where Therese still knelt, and for a moment she simply stood there. Neither of them spoke. Then she rested both hands on the novice's shoulders. The cotton of the nightdress was warm from her body. Beneath it, Agnes could feel the movement of her breathing. Her own breath was trembling. "Stay with me," Therese said, as she rose to her feet and faced her. "Will you?" Agnes nodded, knowing that the life she had built within these convent walls was about to change irrevocably and forever.

Entry in the Celebrating WLW life theme.