The Priest's Tale (Part Nine)

Stories of the Intimate Way

FIRST DRAFT

The next two years passed like an inbreath and an outbreath.

Before she had even thought about what might be next, the abbot called Jasmine into his office. When she arrived Laughter, the abbot, had tea brought for them. Jasmine was aware this was the first time they shared tea together.

After fussing a bit with the tea and they each had a sip or two, Laughter said, “These have been a good five years, Jasmine. You have bowed into our way. And you have met every challenge that has come. It’s now time for us to look at next steps.”

Jasmine felt tears welling. She knew the time was coming to leave what had become her home. A home that was in some ways deeper and truer than even the home in the provincial capital where she’d been raised. She said, “Yes sir.”