Trigger Warning:
This story explores themes of power dynamics between authority figures (teachers and students, priests and churchgoers). It may contain sensitive content related to manipulation, control, and boundaries within these relationships. The narrative does not condone or endorse such behaviors. Reader discretion is advised, especially for those who may have experienced trauma or discomfort in similar situations. Every character in the story is over the legal age of 18.
"And that, class, is why I encourage all of you to seek out new experiences." Luca ended his powerpoint presentation, smiling at his class, "I'll end our class here. Please use the last few minutes to ask me questions, and don't forget about your project. You'll have your first drafts due in one week."
His students began gathering their things, shoving textbooks into their bags and chatting amongst themselves.
Piper slowed her movements, lingering at her desk for a moment as she finished packing up her laptop. She watched the other students rush out of the class, her eyes lingering on Luca as he stood in the front of the desk, packing up his own materials.
Her heart hammering, she made her way to his desk.
"Sir." She called softly.
He glanced up, looking mildly surprised. "Piper. Can I help you with something?"
She took a deep breath, steeling her nerves.
"I...I wanted to tell you how moved i was by your story." She told him shyly, her voice earnest.
"Oh, thank you." His eyes glimmered, "I'm glad it touched you."
"It really did." She looked at him, blushing. "I've never been to Nepal myself, but I really admire your travels. And, um, the story of your faith. I...it's really inspiring."
"Oh, Piper. I'm very flattered."
Piper beamed. "I... I'll see you next class."
She turned and made her way out of the room. As she left, she glanced back, and noticed he was watching her with a small smile.
***
Thalia took a deep breath and looked at the screen. "Bless me, father, for I have sinned. It's been one week since my last confession."
The dark shadow of the priest was outlined in the screen. The confessional booth was dark, with only a dim light from above casting the booth in shadows.
"Tell me, my child." His voice was a soft lilt, "What brings you to confession?"
"I...I am ashamed to admit I have..." She lowered her voice, "I have indulged in impure... thoughts against... against chastity."
"Go on, my child."
"I...I have commited the sins of...of self pollution." Thalia's voice was soft, ashamed.
"My child, the sin of onanism is indeed serious." He said softly, "Tell me, how often have you engaged in this sin?"
"Every night, father." The young woman admitted.
"What have you tried to do to prevent these urges?"
"I...I have resisted. But my desire has been too great." Her voice was down to a whisper. "Father, please, tell me what I can do."
"I will, my child. You must learn to control your desires." The priest instructed, "You must learn to take pleasure in the world around you, the wonders that God has provided. You have confessed the same sin in every confession, for a few months now. Do you know why this is?"
"N-no, father."
"Your spirit is weak, my child. And so is your flesh. You must resist these urges and seek to cleanse yourself of the temptation."
"But...father...I...how?"
The priest at the other end of the screen paused, before speaking. "Perhaps, my child, a different approach is needed. One that will help you focus on the wonders and pleasures that God has bestowed upon us. A distraction. Perhaps, a pilgrimage of sorts."
"A-a pilgrimage?"
"Yes. I ask you to don a chastity belt and wear it for one week. Physical restraint will aid in spiritual restraint. In the meantime, I urge you to find something you find beautiful, something that moves your spirit, and indulge in it. This will allow you to find pleasure and beauty in the world, rather than succumbing to your physical temptations."
Thalia looked up, her eyes a little wide. "Y-yes, father. But, father...how do I wear a chastity belt?"
"They're designed to keep you from touching your most intimate areas." The priest said. "It would be uncomfortable to wear it, but I encourage you to make this sacrifice."
"I...will try, father."
"Good. Meet me at the Discipleship Room later. We'll prepare for your pilgrimage."
Thalia nodded, bowing her head. "Thank you, father."
She left the booth and headed back down the corridor of the church, her heart pounding.
She made her way towards the Discipleship Room, her mind still spinning from the confession.
A chastity belt? She knew what those were, but she had never thought to wear one herself. She wasn't sure if she could even put it on, or even bear the discomfort of wearing it.
As she approached the room, her mind was spinning.
She stepped inside, glancing around.
"Ah, there you are."
Father Luca was sitting at a desk, sorting through a pile of papers.
"Hi, father." Thalia stepped inside, "Is...is this where I wear my chastity belt?"
