"I believe that every human has a finite number of heartbeats. I don't intend to waste any of mine."
-Neil Armstrong
–
The sound of the bell echoed, signalling the end of the afternoon mass at the local chapel of Eyeris.
A young woman clad in black with a black veil over her head sat at the end of the pew. She watched the people around her leave and stayed seated.
There were a few who stole glances at her but most ignored her. It wasn't until the last person had exited the chapel that the woman got up and approached the priest.
The latter smiled. He was used to people coming to him to confess or seek his advice regarding matters that concerned their faith and spiritual well-being.
"Forgive me, father, for I have sinned," the young woman uttered, kneeling before the priest with a hand over her heart.
"We have a Merciful Lord who forgives the penitent. Bless you, my child. Coming here is already a step to your redemption."
