"Forgive me Father, for I have sinned."
The watch at the confessional had been slow, but not because a lack of sin. Sin had just become more common, more acceptable, there was less regret and less guilt. The trend wouldn't likely change, only the really desperate came to speak up the toils that hindered their souls.
The voice at the other side of the wooden mesh was desperate so, quivering and nervous, like that of someone who would need mental more than spiritual guidance although definitely a share of both. His breath stank, but not like the drunks that sometimes came when they found the need for forgiveness at the bottom of a bottle, this one rank with the bittersweet taste of rot.