A Comedic Confession

"I have a confession to make."

"What is it that you have done?"

"I have stolen something, Father."

"Pray, tell me what?"

"Well, Father, the thing I have stolen is of great value. Some do not recognize its worth, however. It can destroy a city, or perhaps simply be wasted away. I, however, have stolen it."

"My word, this is of great importance!"

"Some would think not..."

"Oh come now, from whom have you taken it?"

"Well, Father..."

"Don't be ashamed, young man. There is no sin that God cannot forgive."

"Will you forgive me?"

"What? Why would this require my forgiveness?"

"Because I have taken it from you."

"Preposterous! I own nothing of the sort!"

"I'm afraid you have owned a great deal of it in your lifetime."

"Surely nothing that has the ability to destroy a city!"

"Father, it might also win a woman's heart, save a life, or, with enough of it, destroy the whole world."

"You've gone mad!"

"No, sir, but I believe that you are quite upset."

"That I am! Now tell me what it is that you have stolen from me!"

"Time, Father."