She lay on the next bed, closed her tired eyes, and in no time fell asleep. It was Despina's voice that awoke her. "Elder Agatha, Elder Agatha. I brought Father Gregorios as you told me."
"Thank you. Now please go warm some water and wash the patient's body."
Despina enthusiastically obeyed.
***
"Father Gregorios, I have another confession to make," said Anna as she took him aside. "You have been my spiritual father for over ten years. I am so glad you got my message and came all the way from Crete to hear my confession and conduct services for us."
"What is it, Anna? What happened to Dr. Tsipras was God's will. I have told you that already. He was an evil man."
"By the way, you are the only one who knows my real name here. You see, I have ... I mean ... first, I had this strange feeling that Nikolas was alive, then Dr. Tsipras told me that Nikolas is alive, and now there is this strange attraction I have for this man ..."
"Look Anna, since this is not an official confession, and since we are also friends," the priest moved closer to her, "there is nothing strange, or wrong about a woman being attracted to a man."
"But I never felt this way when I took care of you, when you were ill."
"I feel crushed, Anna," he jested amicably. "I'll go outside and jump off the cliff! You know I could happily take off my monk's rasso for you ... See? You finally made me say it!"
"I think we have said enough for one day," Anna responded with a slight smile. Then she moved back to the patient's bedside. "I wonder what more could I do for him to make him comfortable?"
"It looks like you have done everything and done it well."
"Coming from you, that is a compliment. Thank you, Father. Hopefully, someone will send a doctor for him soon."
"Eventually, he will have to be moved to a hospital," continued the priest.
"Yes, I know, but I would like to take care of him here for as long as possible. I am going to send for leeches. They are good in removing dead burned tissue."
"Clever! And I am going to rest for a while now, being up all night ... an old man like me … "
Both women cleaned the man's body using cotton towels and sea sponges to remove the dried blood, salt, splinters, bits of seaweed, and clothing, which had become looser with oil. Except for his nostrils and mouth, the man's head was covered with gauze.
"You may go now, Despina. Thank you."