The Awakening of John - Episode 3

 Numbly, and with some trepidation, John followed him inside. Would other people see him? Was he some kind of ‘holy ghost’ that only he could see? The answer was quickly answered, “Two of your finest eclairs, one espresso and one latte please.” The assistant smiled and replied: “You’re in a very good mood this morning!”

“Ah well, that’s because I finally get to have some time with my good friend John.” Then, turning to said friend, “Pay the lady, John – you know I never carry any money!”

Once they had their purchases they headed for a table away from other ears and John spoke first: “Ok, this is freaking me out. I don’t know what to call you or who you are or how long you’re going to stay or what any of this is about - I mean, I thought you were the holy spirit or something, but if you’re holy, surely, you’d have run away from my anger and swearing…”

His new friend smiled and nodded. “John, I am who I say I am, but you don’t really know me. You’ve heard about me, and you’ve taken on board a whole heap of stuff that I don’t recognise. And that’s fine, that’s why I’m here, so you can get to know me, so we can be friends – that’s where everything begins.”

John shook his head. “I have so many questions… but first, tell me about me not getting the job, if it wasn’t as a punishment for my lack of faith, why wouldn’t I get it?” His friend nodded, “Honestly? Because Mubina is a much better fit for the role and the company knows that.”

“Is that why you slowed me down, so that she wouldn’t miss the interview for the job you knew she’d get anyway…” he shook his head at the crazy road this logic was taking him, then leaning closer and lowering his voice, “and she’s a Muslim, why are you helping her?”

Looking straight into his eyes, he said, “I didn’t slow you down, John. You left late, Mubina arrived before you – no divine intervention needed. But I did help her when she asked me in her prayers this morning…”

“So did I! And I’m one of your children!” seethed John through gritted teeth. His friend looked at him quizzically then smiled, “You should really get to know Mubina as a person, but yes, you did ask me – in your ‘quiet time’s request list’ as I remember” John grimaced as he too remembered.

The stranger continued, “I particularly liked how your prayers ended abruptly when your timer went off to say you were late. I’m used to a random bit of Latin – ‘amen’, but an earthy ‘shit’ is less common.”

Again, John’s face went white until his friend laughed, turning heads. “Come on” he said, “that was funny wasn’t it? Relax – and speaking of being relaxed, I do know how challenging not being anxious is in a - how did you describe it…” at which point John interrupted with the hint of a smile, “broken world.”

“Ah yes, that was it, a ‘broken world’” And then he was laughing again and so was John.

After a few moments, John spoke again. “This is weird – and I still think I might wake up in a minute, but if this is real – it feels good… different, but good…”

“I’m glad, it feels good to me too – in which case, maybe you could invite me to live with you for a bit – you’ve got a spare room…” and then with a trademark chuckle “I won’t need a key… I’ll see you back there after work…”

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