"Priest Anton, you have returned at last."
Anton, who was petting a cat that seemed eager to nibble on his hand, looked up and saw the familiar elderly man. After a moment of thought, he recalled that he had spoken to this old man before exorcising an evil spirit at the Norris family's house. At that time, the old man's wife was hospitalized.
Observing the tired face of Old Smith and the overflowing sadness in his eyes, Anton adopted a more serious expression and responded briefly, "I just returned this morning. Is something wrong?"
The forced smile on Old Smith's face remained unchanged, but after hearing that question, he nodded and said, "I would like to talk to you. Would it be possible for you to spare some of your time?"
Anton stopped petting the cat, which had nearly bitten his pinky finger, and nodded with a calm expression. "It would be nice to have a few words with you. Let's go and talk inside the church."
In the main building of a church, there is an altar where masses are held and blessings are given. Additionally, there is a reserved space for hearing confessions or having more intimate conversations with a priest. This private space also serves as a place to unburden oneself and seek a priest's advice.
In this regard, Anton decided to take Old Smith to that room with a confessional and sat beside him to listen to what he had to say.
As they sat inside the confessional booth, a partition separated the two individuals. In the space below the partition, only the lower body could be seen, allowing the confessor to express their thoughts without being seen. Anton knew the role of the listener, and the best approach was to remain silent and let them speak first. He probably knew Old Smith's situation well.
Knowing that Old Smith had his wife in the hospital, often encountering him when summoned to bless someone facing a dangerous operation, Anton asked, "Tell me, Old Smith, what are your thoughts?" Anton closed his eyes while asking this question, his voice colder than usual and seriousness emanating from his words.
For a moment, the only sound in the entire space was the breathing of the two individuals. Anton didn't know how much time passed, but after Old Smith seemed ready, he began to speak: "The truth is, Priest Anton, I've always had a question: does heaven really exist?"
Anton opened his eyes upon hearing this question, as he genuinely knew that there was something after death. His presence here now was a testament to his desire for a place in heaven after cleansing all his sins in this world. However, as a priest, he provided a response based on his own judgment. "If you believe there is a place after death, then it exists. If you think that place doesn't exist, then wait until you die and find out for yourself. But if you seek my personal answer, then what I can tell you is that there is a place where everyone will pay and be rewarded for their good and bad deeds."
Upon hearing these words, the corners of Old Smith's mouth silently moved upward. For the sake of his wife, who lacked any trace of faith, he was willing to believe that heaven truly existed.
The words got stuck in Old Smith's throat, tears overflowed from his eyes, and he felt a deep sorrow burning in his chest. "Priest Anton, my wife passed away today."
Anton, who felt these words deeply affecting his emotions, closed his eyes and then said, "May your wife's soul rest in peace... I am sure that regardless of anything, everyone has the chance to live in heaven."
For everyone, whether good or bad, there was an opportunity to ascend to heaven. Anton was a living example of that, and he was confident that if he had a chance, others would too.
Old Smith sighed, his tired eyes showing signs of sadness, and he said, "I am also certain that she is in heaven right now, truly a beautiful woman full of joy."
After uttering those words, Old Smith continued, "As usual, I went to see her yesterday. She was awake and more alive than ever."
"We talked like we never did in all these years she was in the hospital. I never imagined she would be on the verge of leaving. She said her only regret was that I couldn't take care of myself properly in these last few years."
"She held my hand and apologized, saying that as a wife, it was her duty to take care of me, but for some reason, she was very tired and could barely have a coherent conversation with me, her husband."
"She told me she never regretted being my wife and that if heaven existed, she would be waiting for me with a delicious meal, just like in the old times."
Upon hearing this, Anton could imagine the scene. He remained silent and continued to listen to Old Smith's story. As Old Smith spoke, he gradually delved into his past memories, recounting his encounters with his wife, their relationship, their wedding, and their beautiful life together.
"We lived so happily, and I believe it's a relief that she was the one who departed first. I am sure that was the best, feeling her departure from this life firsthand."
By this point, Anton had become a true listener. As Old Smith had mentioned, he needed someone who could listen to him.
At the end of everything he wanted to say, Old Smith spoke about something unrelated, saying, "Priest Anton, thank you for listening to me. Now I can say that I feel better. But can I ask you another question?"
Anton remained calm and replied, "Yes, you can ask me anything."
"Do you remember those kids who mocked God, right?"
Old Smith's voice was very calm, and Anton's eyes darkened. Of course, he remembered; after all, it hadn't been much time since the incident.
"I can remember..."
As soon as he said that, Old Smith's voice sounded like, "I recently found out what they usually do. They are the lackeys of a notorious gang that works for the Tarasov family... Do you think they are guilty?"
After hearing this, Anton thought for a moment but couldn't understand what Old Smith was trying to do with these kids or who was behind the gang they were associated with.
"The evil in humans is a very complex dilemma that many can interpret in different ways, Old Smith... It can be argued that it is not innate but a consequence of circumstances, choices, and sometimes a lack of understanding. The ability to choose between good and evil defines us, and constant reflection on our actions can be the compass that guides us toward a more compassionate and just society."
Anton smiled and said, "In the end, they will know whether they will be forgiven or not; many times, it's not too late."
"I understand, Priest Anton. Thank you for chatting with this old man all day."
After saying these words, Old Smith seemed to leave, and then Anton, seeing him rise from the stool, also exited. "It's no problem; you can talk to me whenever you want. But Old Smith, can you tell me what you're up to by mentioning those last people?"
Old Smith sighed and said calmly, "I won't do anything; I just wanted to know if they can be forgiven."
Seeing Old Smith walk away, Anton knew that something was wrong with him. He was an exorcist priest; his duties as a human who had borrowed life involved not getting involved in the lives of other people. He should not seek trouble; he had to be tense, focused, and omit any kind of distraction.
Still, he couldn't help but think about what Old Smith wanted to do, and he came to a terrible conclusion. Did Old Smith want to judge that group of scum?
Anton couldn't imagine this because, as far as he knew, Old Smith was almost eighty years old, so he could do little despite being a retired military man. Logically speaking, he shouldn't have the strength to do it.
Anton, who had debated whether to act or not, was now sure about Old Smith. He had to prevent him from doing something foolish.
But as he was about to take a step forward and follow Old Smith, he noticed a thick envelope on the stool where Old Smith had been sitting before.
Anton came to a sudden halt, looked at the envelope, and sighed after seeing it. Judging by its thickness, he could sense what was inside.
On the outside of the envelope were small words that said, "Priest Anton, please do not stop me."
Anton's eyes cooled, he squeezed the envelope in his hands, and he wondered, "Come on, Anton, are you sure that eliminating evil spirits is the only way to be forgiven?"