chapter five: faith

Ralph Shepard may have been a doctor, but he wasn’t what you’d call a man of faith. He believed in the existence of science and it was through this that almost anything could be solved. That didn’t account for the fact that he could heal anyone by touching his hands to them though, but he was willing to put aside his beliefs (and ties) to science when it came to the good of the community.

Yet it seemed that he had managed to marry a woman who placed all her faith in God.

Ralph recalled the first time he met Mary Wright. The day had been sunny as he walked through to the park after work. The hospital was always a taxing place to be and, in order to keep his sanity, he often took long walks after he’d finished with work. The spring weather was warm and, discarding his light jacket that he’d worn to work, he walked home slowly, sedately, enjoying his trek along the quiet suburban streets.

He hadn’t thought to stop in the park, though he paused along his way, eyes catching sight of someone else already sitting there. A woman, younger than he was, quietly seatd upon the old brown bench, her eyes closed. Her body was slouched slightly, a sigh escaping her lips before she opened them.

And realized she was being watched.

“Yes?” Her voice was soft, almost musical and Ralph was struck speechless. “No need to be shy,” The woman replied in a warm-hearted tone as she made space on the bench. “If you’d like to sit, you’re more than welcome.”

To refuse would have been impolite and, thus, Ralph moved, stepping across grass until he seated himself next to the red-headed woman.

“I’m Mary Wright, by the by,” She added after he had made himself comfortable upon the bench. “And who’re you?” She seemed genuine, curious, and there was an odd kindness in her eyes that Ralph feared he didn’t see often enough in the world.

“Ralph Shepard,” He replied easily, finding a little smile crossing his lips.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

Their first meeting had sparked many others and it wasn’t long before Ralph could proclaim he was in love with this kind-hearted woman. She said yes to him when he asked her to marry him and, in a gesture to start fresh, he followed the younger leader of this newly found clan into the northern woods. Mary had been good about it, just as eager as he, though they both had some of their own worries. There was love, yes, but disagreement came in many forms within their conversations. On such disagreement was the belief that there was, indeed, a God out there.

Yet, through it all, Mary stayed at his side and Ralph had to hope he’d remain lucky enough to keep her there.