Sensing His Concern

The priest took him inside the church where it was all dark wood and deeper shadows. Stained-glass windows, depicting various moments of Jesus's passion up the mountainside, lay hidden in shadow along the upper portion of the eastern wall, that is until the setting sun looped back around the Earth and illuminated them yet again in morning sunshine.
"I will make this quick so you still have some light for your walk back," said the priest, sensing his concern.
They sat down on opposite benches. Ruthridge slid backward on the cool, smooth wood. His back straightened against its stiffness.

Now that He Arrived

The priest who talked to him over the phone was waiting outside the front doors of the church. Perhaps the priest altered the church over the years to suit his personality, or the church had tailored him, but they fit together perfectly. The two triangular structures were unassuming and partially hidden in shadows. The priest's habit was a bit untidy, frayed near the edges, as was the church. When the priest approached, the church waited quietly behind like a shy, proud mother, or a dutiful wife, or more actually like a child who hesitates when its father confronts someone unknown.
"You're Ruthridge?" asked the priest.
"Yes, I am."
"Did you find the place all right?"
Odd he would call it a 'place' but that's what it was after all, thought Ruthridge.
"Yes, I did."
"You have an interesting name," said the priest. "Were you related to Lord Ruthridge of Wales?"
"I'm not sure."
"I've read a lot about English history. I get all the time in the world to read around here."
After they shook hands, the priest spread his arms indicating the surrounding countryside. Ruthridge could finally appreciate how beautiful it was now that he arrived. He was so focused upon not losing his way. He nodded unconsciously, and breathed deeply the rich smell of pines.

Hardly a Road

It was a long time since he really worked. This sounded like just the thing for him. It was a direction he wished to be heading in. It would be very peaceful, and he would get to use his muscles. As a matter of fact, most might even consider it back-breaking work. Still, it was what he wanted, being away from people, and at the same time, being very near where they could finally rest.
He arrived around seven and the late September sun was throwing its last light over the rustling pine-populated hills. If not for the steeple he most certainly would have lost his way. The path to this church was hardly a road.

Happy Goes Lucky

Stopping in a window, he saw he lacked the money required for the good life. He looked around and saw people from other countries working harder than those from his own. And they had more than enough, and got what they wanted.

He wondered what he wanted. He had not seen his daughter in several weeks. He would like to be able to see her. He did not have the money to fly out to her, nor did he have enough to move to where she lived in California, with her mother, where the rents were exorbitant.

His friends were approaching. A group of four of them, all pushing each other and laughing. Not a care in the world. Some of them had children, and they didn't seem to mind. One of them got arrested for attempted robbery and did a little time. If all had gone off well, he would have had enough money, to do what he needed.

To do what you need to do is what we all want to do.

Inside the church, several people in the back turned around because he let the door slam. He was on his way in.

On his way out, he held it, and no one heard a thing.

By The Light of It

Early that morning, he walked around the building and stared at it from every angle. His friends were supposed to meet him there, but they had not shown up yet probably because he was way early. He stopped beneath a tree and sat down in its shade, protecting himself from an already-too-hot sun.

The night before she told him she no longer loved him and he'd better move out before the month was over or else. He saw this coming so he did not argue, nor plead his case. She was a strong woman and she'd get what she wanted no matter what, and he was nothing that mattered, so be it as it may.

By the light of it, he watched his friends approach, all three of them: they tripped and joked and pushed each other without a care in the world. He resolved to let this be all that mattered and he smiled without worrying because no one was watching and he didn't care anyway.

They all entered the store together and continued pushing happily until one of them knocked over a display with a loud crash and then their hearts melted into laughter, loud and obnoxious, but without spite or malice, just innocent.

The cans of beans rolled, the cokes spun, and people tried to dodge, but many got hit in the ankle and cried out in pain. It was a debacle for the manager. He caught none of the four friends. He did not see what any of them looked like. By the light of it, they would continue on, free.