(Tyler's pov)

"Bless me, Father, for I have sinned. It has been 2 weeks since my last confession."

I said these words before, as I've done in every confession. It is an ongoing habit, but I had to maintain it in order to stay faithful to my beliefs.

This confession was important to me, as I am close to the 3 year anniversary of my secret relationship with Joshua Dun, the man God brought back to life.

It was 3 years ago. I was 17, and Josh was 21. When I met him, he was a defiant atheist who had no desire to believe, but through God's wisdom, I took Josh under my wing and taught him everything I knew about the Catholic religion.

Overtime, we became close. I began to develop feelings that no Catholic should ever feel towards the opposite sex, but these feelings were real, as I was beginning to fall in love with Josh.

After a month of teaching, Josh learned everything. When I came over to his house to help him decorate his bedroom altar, Josh was filled with so much excitement that he kissed me for the first time, but it was on the cheek.

I kissed him back.

At that moment, our first kiss abolished everything I knew about love, and it created real love that I believe is truly beautiful.

When the time had come for Josh to get confirmed, his mother gave him one condition to his vow: he must go to confession. When Josh told me, I promised him the priest will not shame him as long as he was honest.

That was the last I saw of Josh, until I woke up to the horrific news that the man I fell in love with had died. My parents told me that he took poison in front of the crucifix at the church.

When I heard the news, I was devastated. I couldn't believe it. Josh had everything going for his life, and it was taken from him because a heartless man refused to give Josh the dignity to enter into Heaven with his sins forgiven.

After my parents told me, I ran down to the church to find Josh's body shrouded in a white veil with the Saints surrounding him. I remember walking into the church and thinking how beautiful everything looked, until I realized that it was all for Joshua Dun, who I believed was dead.

However, God proved me wrong.

What we didn't know was that Josh was merely sleeping, because the poison that he took was a drug that put him into a brief coma. I didn't find that out until one of the parishioners told me a few weeks after Josh was confirmed.

But in my eyes, and with my true love's kiss, God had granted Josh a new life. Now, 3 years later, we are still in love and serving the church in every way possible.

~

Coming back to this moment, like every Catholic should, I was in the confessional; separated by the black wall where Father Thaddeus Madden sat. He was dressed in his black priest suit with a purple cloth around his shoulders.

Father Thaddeus Madden had been St. Mary's new priest for about a year; replacing the former priest who condemned my love to hell. After knowing him for a while, Father Thaddeus is a kind and humble man, but very strict in the Catholic Church.

When my mother told me about Father Thaddeus' reputation, I resorted to attending confession for least 2 weeks. Josh also followed suit and did the same.

Taking a deep breath, I knelt down and began to confess.

"Father, I want you to know that I have done everything I could to stay faithful, and unfortunately, this week, I had gotten into some trouble with my mother."

"What did you do, my son?" Father Thaddeus asked.

"I am 20 years old, and I'm expected to be moved out at this point, but I'm still living with my parents to help them out. My mother is disappointed that I didn't give her enough to help maintain the home. When I tried to speak my mind, I ended up cursing her."

When I told Father Thaddeus my confession, I could hear him make a disapproving noise. I knew in my heart that he was not pleased.

"Well, my son, I appreciate your honesty in your confession. As an act of penance, I wish for you to pray three Hail Marys'."

I nodded in agreement.

"Yes, Father."

However, Father Thaddeus was not done.

"Also, I would like for you to apologize to your mother. I know she will appreciate that very much."

Father Thaddeus knows that I love my mother, and despite the arguments and disagreements that we have, she is a woman I admire, along with our Holy Mother Mary.

"Yes, Father, I will."

Sending my guilt, Father Thaddeus leaned closer to the black wall. I could clear hear his comforting voice.

"Tyler, nobody's perfect. We as Catholics make mistakes. Don't take this sin as a failure, but take it as a lesson so that you can do better to love God and love the church."

Hearing Father Thaddeus tell me these words brought me reassurance. Our previous priest never took the time to give advice. He always stuck to the rules and moved on with each Catholic that came into the confessional.

I pressed my hand against the wall and nodded; keeping my head down as if I was in the presence of God.

"Thank you, Father."

"Alright, you may proceed with the Act of Contrition."

I press my hands together and began to pray.

"My God, I am sorry for my sins with all my heart. In choosing to do wrong and failing to do good, I have sinned against you, whom I should love above all things. I firmly intend with your help to do penance and sin no more, and to avoid whatever leads me to sin. Our Savior, Jesus Christ, suffered and died for us. In His name, My God, have mercy. Amen."

When I finished the prayer, Father Thaddeus went on to pray the Prayer of Absolution.

As he did, I started wondering if there was any other prayer to pray other than the same thing. As a Catholic, I believe in tradition, but I sometimes wonder if things could be changed.

But alas, I allowed Father Thaddeus to finish the prayer and conclude my confession.

"God has freed you from your sins. You may go in peace, Tyler."

"Thanks be to God." I replied.

~

After the confession, I stepped out of the confessional and laid my eyes upon the statue of Mother Mary, which towered over the holy altar of the church. It was beautiful, and it gave me hope for my continuing faith.

As I exited the church, I picked up my phone and called Josh. I was very excited to speak to him and hear his beautiful voice.

"Hello?" Josh asked; answering the phone.

"Josh, it's me." I replied.

"Hey, babe. How was confession?"

"It was good. I feel very blessed to be absolved from my sins. I'm very thankful for Father Thaddeus."

"As you should." God is good to all of us."

My heart fluttered at the words of my love, as his faith was just as strong as mine.

"Josh, today is Monday." I told him. "My mother is hosting dinner with your family. You'll be there, right?"

"Yes, of course, Tyler." Josh replied. "I wouldn't miss it."

Both of our families have grown close over the course of 3 years. Every Monday night, we would meet together and have dinner, which was always at my house. Josh now lives in an apartment in town, but continues to stay close with his family.

Josh came to many of the Monday night dinners that we have, but sometimes he doesn't come to all of them due to social anxiety around my family. Last week, he didn't attend the dinner, so I was delighted when he said he would come.

I smiled.

"Alright, my love, I will see you soon."

"You too, babe. I love you so much."

I blew a kiss into my phone.

"I love you too."

After hanging up, I got into my car and drove home. As I was driving, my mind was on Josh and the love I have for him. I reflected on the blessings God has given me, and I continuously thanked him for bringing Josh back to me all those years ago.

Our loving relationship is all because of our Heavenly Father, who will continue to guide and protect us in the many years to come.