Afternoon of Monday, the Thirtieth of November

[brotherlaurence]

"Follow the truth of the way."
~ from the Dhammapada

The day so far I have spent cleaning as I once did for Cain. I have been searching for a new way to converse with the Lord, since I abandoned my flail. The wounds on my back have healed as much as they are going to, leaving a host of scars so that I never forget the faults of my life, or my

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[kateohara]

It's a cold day, but bright, so I take a walk along the river, enjoying my day off. I hesitate when I see Laurence sitting outside. I've seen him at church of course, and we always exchange friendly words, but we haven't had a proper conversation in a long time, and I feel a little awkward. I shake myself. After all Laurence and I have been through together, to avoid him would be cowardly. He is still my friend, after all.

"Hello," I say. "Is this seat taken?" I add with a smile, pointing to the grassy bank beside him.

[brotherlaurence]

I don't jump visibly, I am sure, but I am surprised to hear a voice--especially that of Kate. I begin to rise when she asks if the space beside me is taken.

"No, of course not," I say and return her smile, pressing down the notice that my heart has picked up its pace slightly. Not quite like it used to. "Please," I say and gesture to the ground. I hesitate slightly and hold out my hand to help her. "How are you today, Kate?" I resist the urge to add "Miss" to her name. One step forward, several steps back.

[kateohara]

He holds out his hand to help me sit down and I take it.

"How are you today, Kate?"

Well, Laurence, I'm in love with a woman and I met an angel. I settle myself on the ground and instead say:

"Pretty well, thank you. I've been busy laying in stocks in case the roads get snowed in this winter. The snows aren't as deep here as where I grew up, but I like to be prepared." I smile. "How are you? I enjoyed your sermon yesterday. You seem to be settling into your church well." I pause. "It suits you, I think, this new life."

[brotherlaurence]

I lift my knees and wrap my arms around them. I smile at her compliment, ignoring the tiny twang of regret at the idea of my new life and how it suits me. I nod, though.

"It seems to, doesn't it?" I say and look out on the water. "Thank you. It seems easier to talk to a crowd when they come to you." I laugh. "It's a change, but a good one."