Act of Contrition By James Hayes There is no rest for the good or bad. Why should there be? When the devil tries to sit on his throne high above the clouds after he was kicked out of heaven, only to find another place to get up to his mischief. It was then it was foretold... They were standing on the corner, just two faces in the crowd, watching... Then her voice breaks the silence, do you know what his name means in Latin? She asks. It is an old game, one that the two of them never get tiered of. Yes. It means bearer of light... Very Good. An cold wind slices through the people standing around. People dance from foot to the other and rubbing their hands, they are cold, so cold, but they cant leave, cannot look away, they just stand and look, in a trance by the spectacle, it not everyday evil walks into their lives... She is still thinking about the road into the future, and how long ago it had all started... The children were still singing, if you’re happy and you know it clap your hands. She watches the man, watches his eyes, his hands and the way he stands. He has the look of a kindly uncle, he does not see her. Hi, she says. The man turns to her, a bit startled; he looks her up and down. He makes a smile. She looks towards the stage; they are lovely at that age, aren’t they? The man smiles, yes they are, he looks more closely at her, this time trying to remember where from, have we met before he asked? They always ask. She shakes her head and says; where you have been I can never go. The man turns to look at her again, but before he can answer, she goes on. Is one of them a grandchild? The pause says so much, it roars the truth. No, I am just here to watch them; it makes me feel young again. But you do more then watch, don’t you? The man closes his eyes for a moment and when he opens them again he knows. Not a word is said for sometime, the singing of the children goes on in the background, he knew it was time; he had waited in dread for so long. I always knew this day would come, the man says. He is real after all. Oh he is real she says, did you doubt him? One lives in hope. All my life I have believed in him, always knew he walk with me. She points out the widow, to the old round tower across the park. He is waiting for you. In the tower. Yes, and he is waiting for you now. The man looks again at the stage, knowing it will be his last time to watch the children, I am not ready. Sorry no negotiations. He turns to face her, is this the only way he says? The paedophile knows the answer; there is no need to answer. She does not. Then they leave the hall, cross the park. The gate is opened for them. They entered and went down a stairs to a cellar. I can feel him, the man says. She pointed to a corner and tells him to remove his clothing. The man looks at her, no longer a predator, but of a cornered quarry. This is something I must do? It is how you came into this world? Slowly, very slowly, he removes his clothes. He folds them as he removes them and then lays them down near the box of tacks. She asks him to sit. Naked, he lowers himself to the floor. He makes the sign of the cross, as a single tear runs down his cheek. I grew up in a very religious house, he says. When we failed to say our prayers we got beaten. She says nothing; this is all old news to her. They all have a background of prayers. It is why they know, in the end a price has to be paid. May I make an act of Contrition? He asks. Yes. The old man claps his hands. O my God, I am heartily sorry... She waits for him to finish. When he does she asks the question. Do you remember what you said? Yes. I would like you to tell me word for word. The man closes his eyes for a moment, perhaps remembering, perhaps taking a moment for a second silent Act of Contrition. Then said, if you keep me out of prison, I will do anything. I will even make another pact with the Devil... The Devil. Yes. When you made your first deal, did you think it would never come due? The man said nothing. For him and all the sins of the flesh, the story is over. A moment later, without a word, he opens his mouth and swallows the first handful of tacks... Copyrighthayesp2013
Posted on: Wed, 21 Aug 2013 19:53:01 +0000
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