The Priest -- 9

Now so many years later, Father Wawrzyniak sat next to the mayor in front of the circus ring, watching Nina and her brothers seemingly dance in thin air.

The performance ended, and once again Nina bowed, looking only at him with her amazing eyes. She didn’t smile.

Suddenly he had no desire to watch the rest of the performances. He had to get out of here, get some fresh air and a chance to get a hold of himself again.

Rising, he turned to the mayor. “I have such a headache. I need to go home. It would just get worse here.”

The mayor nodded and made room for Jozef so get to the aisle.

Outside, He took a deep breath and strode off, toward his home. The music of the circus band followed him like a hunting dog, fresh on his spoor. He shook off the thought.  Why was he so upset? She was just a girl he had met once over ten years ago. And what a strange girl she had been. He had no right to be affected by her after all these years. And, anyway, she might be married by now.

He strode past the butcher’s, not knowing where he was. He shouldn’t even think about whether she was married or not. It was none of his business. You’re a priest, Jozef, he reminded himself. You should be happy which that and not worry about a girl and whether she was married or not.

He entered his home, took off his cassock, and wrapped himself into his comfortable robe. He would forget about her in no time. One good night’s sleep, and she’d be gone from his mind. And, anyway, he had a homily to prepare for tomorrow.

He sat down at his desk and read over what he had prepared. His mind kept reverting to a summer day, a roller scooter, and a little brown girl. The image of the grown Nina kept imposing itself over the memory of the child. He’d thought she had been pretty then, but how much more beautiful had she grown since!

Finally he gave up. Luckily his sermon was pretty much finished. He would be fine with it tomorrow. He had a cup of tea, and went to bed, still fighting with memories.