Gabriel felt like something was pressing on his chest, making it hard for him to breathe. He almost felt afraid to breathe. His heart was racing and he suddenly felt sweaty. He had heard a number of shocking things in the confessional, but never murder.

He felt dizzy. He didn't know what to say. It was all made worse by the fact that the man spoke about it as if it was nothing. He was only remorseful because of this girl, only because he was afraid to hurt her? Gabriel wanted to challenge him on that. And at the same time he knew he had to pick his words carefully. If there was the beginning of remorse, he didn't want to discourage it. Perhaps he could be led to true remorse. But there was a much greater concern on his mind, a fear. That girl the man referred to was in serious danger. This man was dangerous, pitiless. He didn't seem to have a single thought for people he had killed or their families. His main preoccupation seemed to be what her reaction would be. God help that poor girl if he changed his mind about her. God help her if he told her what he had done and she didn't react right.

He tried to swallow but his throat was dry. He would have to say something eventually.

"Why do you feel bad now?" he said after a long silence. Where the man's voice had become lower, Gabriel's seemed higher now.