Chapter 3 - The Redemption

The next morning, Sister Mona and Sister Mary kneel praying for forgiveness when Mother Joan walks in. She's not convinced Mona has left her vices behind, but she'll give her one chance. Across the convent, Mother Superior lies ill, and the thought of losing her mentor leaves Sister Charlotte drowning in old fears. Her life has no place for secrets twice. Tina finds her in the chapel, folds her into steady arms. If the older woman dies, Tina will still stand guard. That promise buys Charlotte a little air. Later, under confession, Tina lowers her eyes and admits she's in love. Charlotte's laugh is soft, almost pitying. She tells the younger nun it's just heat, nothing higher. But her own lips taste the lie as they meet. Flames waver over the altar as clothing opens, damp skin finding damp skin. Tina moves first in shivers, then she breaks open with hunger she's hidden for years. Fingers trace sweat and heat, breath rising like hymns. For those stolen minutes nothing else exists but the slide of thighs and the soft shatter of names on tongues.