Father Norris phones you

Early Sunday evening, and you’re considering an early night, when your phone rings, unknown number. You answer.

“Ah, Mr Smith, this is Father Norris.” Ah, yes, the priest. “You remember the conversation we had last week? How I said I could help you with Miss De Gaulle, if you help me? Good. I was talking to Miss De Gaulle after Mass today, and I mentioned how I’ve always been denied the opportunity to give a speech at assembly. Previous priests have been given that opportunity, but for reasons best known to her, Dr Stricture has always denied me. Miss De Gaulle agreed that this was wrong.”

“She’s, therefore, offered to start a petition among staff and students to pressure Dr Stricture to allow me to speak at an assembly. Unfortunately, she’s a bit reticent. She’s tried this tactic in the past, and it hasn’t born fruit. She needs encouragement. And that’s where I believe you can help.”

“You told her I would help her?” You like the prospect of helping Anissa. You’re not so keen on the rest of the proposal.

“No, I didn’t mention you by name. I said I knew other staff and students who might help, but I thought it would be more effective for you, if you approached her yourself.”

“I see. I suppose I could help her.”

“Good. We’ve tried this in the past, and it has frustratingly been unsuccessful. Miss De Gaulle is a very devout woman, but she sometimes lacks the commitment. When up against the intransigence of Dr Stricture, she easily folds. The girls of St Perpetua would benefit from my guidance, and Dr Stricture is denying them that. What is worse, because St Perpetua’s deny me the opportunity to guide the girls, the other schools in town believe they can do the same. There are many young girls in this town that require my guidance but are being denied it because of the example of St Perpetua’s.”

That last part gets very passionate. You can hear Father Norris’ voice quivering, as if he’s on the edge of tears. Didn’t expect that.

It puts you off promising, but it also stops you from backing down. You said you’d help Anissa. Think of it as helping Anissa, getting close to Anissa. Yes, you’d like to get close to Anissa.