Father Daniel’s Succour

As Loraine passed the church she saw the vicar step out of the main door in his elegant black robes with a large ring of keys in his hand. She tried to hustle past without making eye contact, but he spotted her.

‘Young lady?’ he called out. ‘Young lady, may I take a moment of your time?’

Loraine looked at him. He was only about the same height as her, with thinning white hair and kindly eyes. His face was heavily wrinkled and he smiled at her warmly. ‘Come inside for a moment, you must be cold out there. I’m just closing up, would you like a hot drink? Maybe a chocolate biscuits from a concerned neighbour?’

Loraine thought for a moment, the thought of a little shelter and sustenance sounded good. She followed him through the church to the vestry and sat on a wooden bench while he made tea and brought a small plate of biscuits.

‘I’m Father Daniel,’ he said, sitting beside her. ‘I’ve heard about the terrible situation with your father. I want you to know that I’m here for you if you want to talk.’

Loraine couldn’t help herself. ‘I don’t understand why I should be punished, I haven’t done anything wrong!’ she cried. ‘Everybody is being so mean, and trying to take advantage of me all the time!’

Father Daniel handed her a white handkerchief to dry her eyes, putting his arm around her shoulder. ‘I know, child. I don’t agree with the way you and your family are being treated, but trials are sent to us to strengthen our character. You will triumph, I can sense your fortitude and determination. You are a strong and beautiful young woman and you will prevail.’

Loraine looked up at him blearily. These were the first genuinely kind words she had received in so long.

‘I just don’t know if I will,’ she sobbed. ‘I’m ****, Father.’

He drew her close, his heavy cotton robes felt warm in her bare skin.

‘You can call me Dan. I want you to be able to trust me.’

Loraine cried against his shoulder, thankful for his physical and emotional warmth.

‘The church has many ways to help you, child. You can come here any time to talk, for a warm meal. I can even loan you some clothes. You can sleep here in peace if you wish. Come, there is a room you can use with clothes you can wear, let me show you.’

He took her hand and led her down a stone staircase to a heavy wooden door. He spoke as he slotted a key into the lock and ushered her through. ‘I have helped many people find salvation here. If you give yourself to me I can guide you through these dark times.’ The room beyond was dark and she stepped inside while Father Dan found the light switch.

The first thing she saw was a large wooden cross in the shape of an X, with shackles fixed to the arms. More shackles hung from the edges of the small bed, and a glass cabinet held an array of sex toys and restraints. There was far too much for Loraine to take in so quickly. Father Dan spoke quietly behind her.

‘Come, child. Let me wash away your sins so that you may be reborn.’