Fledgling Scribbler

Hm… I’m just thinking about it, but I’m not sure I can do much with these two characters… maybe because Father Calico is a lot less developed in my mind compared to Benjamin. I guess tomorrow, I can see if I can make another character for Benjamin to interact with. For now, I’ll just see how a scene between these two will go.

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Benjamin had had enough. He joined the church in the hopes of feeling at one with God. But everywhere he went, it seemed as if all he saw were so-called “good” Christians looking out only for themselves and screwing their neighbors over every time they had the chance. Sure, he had met some genuinely good people, but it seemed that he kept seeing more and more hypocrisy everywhere he went. And as each day passed, it seemed like he found himself doubting more and more the very existence of God. This feeling disquieted him.

He walked into the church courtyard, pondering this so deeply that he bumped rather hard into a passerby.

“Ho! That’s quite a greeting,” the passerby said.

Recovering himself, Benjamin found that he had bumped into Father Calico. “Sorry, Father,” Benjamin sighed, hugging the priest. He bent down to pick up the books Father Calico had dropped.

“Something bothering you, kid?” Father Calico queried, raising an eyebrow as Benjamin handed him his books.

Forcing a laugh, Benjamin said he was fine, perhaps a little too uncertainly. He could tell Father Calico didn’t really believe him.

“C’mon, I’m taking you to the confessional. I’m buying,” Father Calico said, dragging Benjamin along.

“Wha- no, I’m fine,” Benjamin said, ineffectually.

They ended up at a bar within walking distance of the church. After getting two beers, Father Calico looked at Benjamin sternly.

“Well, are you going to tell me? Or am I going to have to get you drunk?”

Sighing, Benjamin related his doubts and feelings about his position in the church. Throughout Benjamin’s confession, Father Calico listened with a thoughtful expression on his face.

“… and I just don’t know whether I belong in the church anymore if I have these doubts. I feel like a hypocrite myself to stay in the church when I believe in less and less of the church’s teachings.”

Father Calico sat in silence for a few moments, sipping his beer, pondering Benjamin’s revelations. “Look, Benjamin, there are many people, myself included, who have not seen evidence for the existence of God, but that doesn’t mean He’s not there.”

“Doesn’t it? Why should I believe in God’s existence when I have no reason to do so?”

It appeared as if Father Calico wanted to say something about this, but he stopped himself. Instead, he reached over to Benjamin and patted him on the arm.

“Look, just because I raised you doesn’t mean you’re obligated to believe in what I believe in. I want you to decide for yourself what you believe. Just… stay with the church for a little while longer until you’ve figured things out, all right?”

Benjamin smiled hesitantly at Father Calico, thankful for his understanding. He stood up and hugged Father Calico and said, “Thanks, Father.” Father Calico rubbed Benjamin’s head in that old affectionate gesture and Benjamin left, still feeling uncertain about his future.