The scent of incense smothers the air while the promise of miracle glistens on her lips.

She reminds him that there is no sin so grievous that the right prayer and the price of penance cannot wipe clean.

He straps his sordid soul to the roof of his Dodge and spends every last penny at the self-service car wash.

Why risk the chance of hell when there is heaven right here on earth?

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