Nun

Sénanque Abbey. A Catholic church, subject to the Vatican. Convent for women.

The events took place in 1832.

• This convent stands in Venice, the city of water, where even the silence seems to be a reflection in

the canals.

Its history dates back to the Early Middle Ages, and for centuries, nuns who dedicated their lives to prayer and solitude lived here.

Inside the convent, a strict routine prevailed: days were divided between prayer, work, and silence, as if time flowed according to its own invisible rules.

The nuns lived behind high walls, separated from the world, but not from its pain - they prayed for the people beyond the convent walls.

Stone corridors and old halls preserved a silence in which every step sounded like a reminder of eternity.

The story is fictional; I used this building as a basis, which I hope is not a big issue.

And you shall know the truth... and the truth shall set you free.

For man was not created for fear, nor for chains and darkness, but for light, for hope,

and for the path leading to peace.

And even in the darkest hours, the Lord hears the voice of every heart.

You are called to freedom.

Not to hatred - but to love.

Not to pride - but to mercy.

Not to darkness - but to light.

And may there be peace in your soul, like the quiet light of a candle amidst a great night.

"My sisters, today has come to a close. Tomorrow we will continue the matters we were discussing today."

For as long as I can remember, I have been here.

My childhood and teenage years passed here; I cried and shed tears, rejoiced, and fell in love here as well. I was raised by one of the nuns; according to her, she found me in front of the door. My parents were never found, and no women had given birth in the surrounding villages either.

Things weren't so bad here; until the age of 11, I wasn't forced to believe in God. I saw for myself how Sister Maria stood before the cross and spoke beautiful words from the Bible. I watched until my nanny came up from behind and told

me everything - the story of Jesus and his apostles (disciples). I loved listening to it and learning it so much.

For the first time, when I was 14, Pope Pius VII visited us himself. We prepared for a long time, cleaning and cooking in abundance. That day, food and clothes were distributed using the money collected from wealthy nobles. Nature itself seemed to be preparing for his arrival: trees and grass were wrapped in green, and Sister Maria's garden yielded a large harvest.

Everything was fine until the revolution came.

Back then, people were already living poorly, but there was still help coming from various sides, and they somehow managed to survive. The church wasn't that rich either; people began to believe in God less, and sometimes we had to pray in a dark room and go to sleep on an empty stomach.

Italy, Venice. Convent of San Zaccaria, Catholic church. Winter of 1832.

Finding food and help at this time of year was very difficult. Some elderly people passed away, but those who were already used to such cold kept praying, survived by a miracle, and welcomed the spring.

Much changed that winter. Since only women lived here, priests from other villages or from men's monasteries would sometimes come to

help. But they were located very far away, so several men would come and stay for weeks. Help came in various ways, the hardest being to heat the women's rooms; there were many of them, and it was no easy task.

Madeleine has been living here for 24 years now.

She spends her time cleaning and doing laundry, praying every day, and working for the good of the people. In this way, she believes she is helping orphans and homeless people.

"Madeleine, people are coming today,

remember? Help me dust the main prayer room."

"Sister Maria, who is coming? Santiago?"

"What are you saying? I told you to forget about him."

"Alright, I won't mention him anymore."

It was the coldest room out of all the ones she knew; the dust was piled high, and the lighting was weak. In this dark room without candles or sunlight, she began dusting from memory while reviewing her homework at the same time.

Madeleine had studied there and now teaches history herself.

"Madeleine, is that you?"

"Oh God! I was cleaning here... Who is that?" He lit the candles and walked close to her. She didn't recognize him right away and waved her cloth to make him step back.

"What's wrong with you? We haven't seen each other in so long."

"Santiago, is that you? I'm sorry I didn't recognize you, we only met a few times in our childhood

Their meeting took place in the distant past; they were both 14 years old. Female and male monks came to discuss an urgent topic concerning winter and supplies.

"This winter will be too cold; we will need help."

-

"I can send you people for a while, but you will also have to provide humanitarian aid." - The two sides made a very good decision. The female side received financial support from the upper class; they sent their daughters there for education. The male side found it a bit more difficult, but everyone managed, helping each other.

That autumn, Madeleine came with Maria; she

had taken her along to show her new lands and people. She didn't sleep the whole way, she looked at all the orange-hued nature, and sometimes asked questions about various topics.

Their route took them through a city; Venice was beautiful at that time, and they stopped to have a bite to eat at one establishment.

Madeleine saw free women for the first time - they spoke without shame and dressed very openly.

"Sister Maria, I think we've gone the wrong way."

-

"We've made a mistake; it's better to get out quickly." -

- And where is Madeline. -

Four nuns were running around the den, looking for her, while the others watched them and laughed nonstop.

"Who are you looking for here, rest in peace?" -

"How can you be so shameless, young man, to be in such a sinful place?" -

"Well, you're the ones who came in, so I guess I can too." -

Sister Maria couldn't come up with a decent response, and at that moment, Madeleine herself arrived.

"Where have you been, girl? We've been looking for you so long." -

- I got lost; I wanted to see the paintings on the walls. -

In a hurry, they ran out and found a good place to have a snack; she sat and thought about that conversation.

When she saw a room where a woman was sitting and crying, she couldn't resist and went over to her. There was a beautiful girl there, her hair like coal, her appearance angelic.

You look so much like an angel; we have artists who paint people like you. -

Are you joking? You're all in black; you've come to take my sinful soul. -

"No, what are you talking about? I saw you and I felt uneasy; maybe you'll come to us." -

"I chose this life myself." -

"That doesn't mean you have to suffer for the rest of your life." -

The woman looked at her for a long time; only Madeline's eyes were open.

"You have such beautiful green eyes." -

"Thank you." -

"Madeline, your name is Madeline, they're looking for you." -

A young girl ran up and led her to her sisters.

They didn't scold her; they just met eyes, and Maria made it clear.

"Don't leave my side, do you hear me?" -

"Yes."

A few hours later, they were already at the right place. Madeline had never seen so many men before; she covered her eyes with her hands to prevent love from taking root in her heart. While she was walking around with her eyes closed, she managed to get lost in the large corridor. She turned back and ran quickly; she stumbled and fell, catching the edge of her dress.

Are you okay? You didn't get hurt badly. - It was a boy her age. He was smiling as he looked at her stony face.

You know how to speak. -

Madeline, how do you manage to get lost so quickly? Come with me. -

Catherine took her; she was five years older than her. She laughed at Madeline.

Why are you laughing like that? -

Your neck almost broke from the way you were

looking at him. -

You just thought so. -

Don't be afraid, he was looking at you too. -

Negotiations went on for several days, and the young girls didn't sit idle during that time.

Catherine, why did you put on such bright lipstick? -

You didn't see that teacher, he was sitting next to us in the hall. -

The blond one. -

Yes, he's so handsome, he passed me a note. -

It's a sin, sister. -

"You'll grow up and understand me." - Madeline had to turn a blind eye to everything, because she considered her her sister. Catherine was the daughter of the wealthiest tenant, that's what we were told. But it was obvious from her clothes and appearance that she was twice as well-off as we were.

She did things we never even thought about, and

all the older teachers were kind to her.

"Madeline, come with me, you'll be on guard." -

"I'm afraid." -

For several minutes, she tried to persuade her to come with her; it was already dark outside, the streetlights had gone out, and that's when she decided to go out.

"You're helping them too." -

A boy stepped out from a dark corner; she fell headfirst into the bushes in fright.

"Who's there?" -

"Maybe cats.

He covered her mouth.

We are standing at Sister Mary's window. - Maria looked at those bushes for a long time, but a strong wind forced her to close the window.

Who are you, let me go.

Don't be afraid, you better run into the room, she'll start looking for you now. - Indeed, Maria quickly went to their room, Madeline took Catherine and came in from the toilet.

Where are you from.

I wanted to go to the bathroom at night. -

One is afraid. -

Yes, sister. -

They stood there and sweated heavily; Maria had to believe them, and she left, slamming the door behind her.

"Well, she left." -

Catherine's boyfriend came to talk to her through the window, but it wouldn't open, so they had to draw through the steam. It was cold outside, but hot inside. Madeline couldn't handle their love.

She was wondering about that guy herself.

"You haven't seen that one, have you?" -

"Which one?" -

"The one who saved me from death." -

"I don't know." -

It was dark, I couldn't make it out. - She didn't sleep until morning; in the morning, during prayer, she looked around the entire church. Maria saw her glancing in different directions and pinched her hard. She cried out in pain, and everyone looked in her direction.

I didn't do it on purpose, I'm sorry. - Even after that, she started investigating again.

Hi, I'm Santiago, are you looking for something?

Madeline was spying on another boy; it seemed to her that his manner and appearance were just like those of a night ghost.

What's it to you? -

I can ask him if you have a question. -

You don't know if he went out at night? -

I don't know. Catherine's suitor ran up from behind; he recognized Madeline and smiled. He took Santiago with him.

"Madeline, what are you doing here?"

"Sister Maria... I'm here..."

"I've been looking for you everywhere; we're going back today." -

She felt sad; for the first time in all these years, she had grown fond of a man.

Before they left, everyone said goodbye; only Catherine showed her love for Manuel with her

eyes. And next to him stood Santiago; he made a gesture with his hands, telling her to be quiet, putting his finger to his lips. That's when one thought occurred to her.

Santiago and that same Menuel came to help

with the heating during the winter; Catherine was no longer as courteous to him as she had been last time. Everyone else knew about their feelings. Even Maria herself was waiting for their reunion.

"Catherine, you're angry with him."

"You don't know anything." -

Their arrival was early in the morning; everyone split up. The older nuns took them to show them where they would be working. Santiago couldn't talk to Maedhlyn; she also left without responding to his glances in the prayer hall.

"Girls, please be quieter, you're not at home right now; I need to teach you manners and how to behave in front of the whole church." She was acting as usual; new girls had been assigned to her for training.

"What's going on with you and Catherine?" -

- It's a long story, I haven't told you. - They were walking, exploring the area, until Santiago heard Madeleine's voice.

Look, she's teaching a lesson.

- You can't look like that in the women's section.

I'll just be a minute. -

The first minute, the fifth, he stood like a stone and froze, she saw him herself. I deliberately closed the curtains so that the other young girls wouldn't see him. Santiego didn't move even after that, and after a few minutes she came out.

You can even be seen behind the curtains.

I was waiting. -

You can't leave, it's going to be bad. -

See you in the evening, I'll tell you a story. -

Okay, I'll find it myself. -

On that dull day, she remembered his sunny smile; after all, over the years, Madeline hadn't forgotten his facial features and voice.

Her students saw her smiling broadly as she gazed out the window, and one of them dared to ask.

"Are you happy about something?" -

"No, I was just lost in thought. Have you finished the assignment?" _

"You didn't assign us anything; we've just been sitting here, watching you, teacher." — Madeline didn't know what to do in such situations; she just left, leaving everyone in the classroom. She stood behind the door, clenching

her fist tightly, and sweat was dripping like from a waterfall. Her heartbeat grew stronger, and she tried to steady herself with a sigh. She even forgot how long she had been standing there.

During that time, the bell rang, and the girls started whispering and began to laugh. They didn't know that their teacher was standing right behind them, standing like a stone, without any emotion.

"Excuse me, teacher, we weren't talking to you."

-

There was no response.

The workday ended quickly, and Madeline, as she left, looked around the entire garden and the way back to the prayer hall. Catherine and Sister Maria were in her way.

"You have to clean up; stay today." -

"Why am I the sister, after all..." -

"Today it's my turn; I'm a bit tired after the day, help me." -

"She agrees, sister; I'll stay with her." - Catherine winked at her, turning her head; she hadn't known before that she and Manuel were

together again. I only found out when Madeline

was cleaning, dusting, and accidentally saw them sinning right in that place where even thinking about bad things is a sin.

You'd better not have seen it. -

What? -

Let's go, don't bother them. -

But... -

He dragged her to another place; it was the basement. There was no longer any good lighting; Santiago felt her face with his hands.

She couldn't reach his face; behind them, there were women's screams.

Both of them left everything behind and ran toward the sound.

• Sister Maria was shouting at Catherine; I approached them in surprise and saw Catherine's exposed body. The sister was hitting her and scolding her until her voice gave out. Everyone ran to see it; she was executed for it, and Manuel disappeared.

Madeleine couldn't forget the situation; she kept writing, repeating the same thing. Santiago

returned to service. Time passed so quickly; winter and summer whirled past the window.

Madeline, we need to talk. -

One spring day, Sister Maria came by; she wasn't in a good mood.

"We're sending you to another church service; they need help there, we have a lot of work to do, you understand, don't you?" -

"Yes, Sister, when do I need to leave?" - Tears welled up; it felt like spring had returned to a stormy winter day. She was packing her things, every leaf Santiago had sent, the handkerchief for her tears from Catherine. It was a farewell day for

everyone.

"We'll miss you." -

Spring, March 11.

The first impression was the building itself. It was old, but with beautiful patterns; long green ivy vines were already growing on the walls.

Madeleine met Santiago himself, and at first she didn't understand; she stood there for a few minutes, wondering if it was all a dream.

"What a coincidence, I didn't know." -

What are you doing here? -

I was sent here to serve. -

Is Manuel with you?-

No, he's been gone for a long time. -

He's different now, not the same as before. He's been serving here for two months now; he showed her the rooms, the place of service, and her duties. She felt he was too closed off; she couldn't open up and say a word.

• Hello, Sister Maria, I made it safely and I'm starting my service. I'm grateful to you and the others for your kindness over the years.

The service began the next day; Madeline prayed and began cleaning. Several rooms were empty, and the kitchen and the long corridor were covered in dust. *How long had it been since they'd cleaned here?* Several hours of work, the knocking from the floor and the wheezing from the ceiling wouldn't let her rest.

- Santiogo. -

He was nowhere to be found, only the knocking didn't stop, growing louder and louder.

Were you looking for me? -

Yes, can you hear it? -

What should I hear? -

It's over, you can check the storage room and the basement, there are some sounds coming from there. -

Yes, of course. -

He was sweating, his face looked unhealthy.

Madeline sensed something was wrong; after evening prayer, she kept an eye on him. He looked back several times, and she managed to hide in time.

- Help! -

The scream from the basement grew louder, and Santiago's movements grew faster. Madeleine stood in one place for several minutes; she didn't want to believe anyone.

With a slight sigh, she also headed in that direction.

- Santiago? -

After what she saw, she fainted.

In the morning, Santiago woke her; he had a scar on half of his face.

What happened after I passed out? -

Nothing much, how about you? -

You have a burn on your face. - He started to answer, but she kept asking

The day went on as usual, and the two of them were left alone.

You'll explain everything to me. -

No, you'll turn a blind eye to everything.