This is a brief, minor tale of a boy’s shifting perception of the world. Hurried out the door to church for confession, the boy takes in the sights of the street and wonders about God and judgment day and heaven and hell.
In the dim church, he observes the crucifix and the guttering candles and the images of Mary and St. John, and worries that he is a sinner. Waiting for his turn in the confession booth, he scuffles with another boy. And then he confesses and has a sense of relief – of joy, even.
There’s not much to this story! That’s kind of it.
READ THIS? READ THAT!
This tale brings to mind “The Student.” Both are unironic portrayals of religious belief.
A Chekhov Circus 