Mother Immaculata calls out to Simone as she walks past her office door, ‘Simone, I have something for you.’

Simone steps into the office as her Aunt picks up a cardboard box off the table.

‘This arrived for you earlier, were you expecting something?’

She takes the box recognising the writing on the label.

‘Simone?’

‘It’s just some books.’

She immediately turns to leave, ‘Simone we haven’t spoken in a week, can you not stay a while?’

‘I’m sorry, one of the girls asked to see me.’

With that she turns and rushes to her room, locking the door behind her and placing the box on her desk.  She runs her fingers along the edge of the label before pulling open the box.  Amongst the pieces of white polystyrene a camera lens pokes out, she reaches inside feeling the cool metal against her skin and then pulls it free from its confines.  The attached note reads;

For new eyes…

In a space that can only be right.

You will find me waiting for you.

XXX

Simone is sat in Church alone for some time before Father Harris decides to interrupt.

‘I seem to be finding you in here a lot lately, not that I think He minds.’

‘I’m sorry, I’ll go.’

‘Simone, please sit down, there’s always a place for you here.’

‘I don’t know if there is anymore.’

‘Are you questioning your life at St Teresa’s?’

‘Among other things.’

‘And have you come to any conclusions?’

‘No.’

‘Do you mind if I offer an opinion?’

‘I’ve always valued your thoughts.’

‘What doesn’t kill us makes us stronger.’

Simone looks confusedly at the Priest, ‘I don’t under..’ but he interrupts her before she can continue.

‘You’re not the same person you were a few years ago Simone, it is time to trust that people won’t abandon you as they have before.’

He pauses and takes her hand in his.

‘You need to ask yourself, could you be truly happy if you allowed your fears to rule your heart?’

Simone looks father in the eyes as a tear runs down her cheek.

‘I don’t know.’

‘Only you can make the decision Simone, and I have faith that you will make the right one.’