The fire cracked joyfully, accompanying cheerful conversations. The fragrance of a roasted fish mingled with the warm freshness of the sunny morning, but Peter breathed heavily, unable to tune into the happiness of the moment. Was he even allowed into that companionship?
He looked at Jesus' radiant face, and a sudden fear overtook him. And what if the Master didn’t know? Maybe he didn’t realise what happened there at the temple? After all there was so much going on. Should he confess?
“Peter,” The Master turned towards him. The way he spoke Peter’s name left no doubts – the man knew everything. Peter lowered his gaze and smiled hopelessly. That was it: he had to pay for his deeds. “Peter,” the Master repeated, forcing him to meet his eyes. “do you love me more than these others do?”
A sudden silence around the fireplace. Peter’s heart sunk, and he opened his mouth, but no sound followed. What was there to say? He turned his head away and looked at John. John, the faithful one. John, who never betrayed. John, who remained faithful till the very end.
“Do you love me more than these others do?” Jesus asked again.
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