The Inventor's Son

Chapter 20: In Which a Dream Would Sharply Illustrate the Dilemma

IT WAS A BRIGHT Sunday morning. Ethan and his father were heading for Sophia's house, where they would enjoy brunch and then take a ride in Hyde Park. Ethan was in a particularly good mood. He'd been well enough to attend Sunday school while his father was in church. And he'd enjoyed the lesson...

"Papa, what's your favorite Bible story?" Ethan asked, looking up at his father who was holding his hand. He felt small just then, but with his father there, he felt safe.

Marcus shook his head and replied, "Oh, I never had one."

"Which ones do you like?" Ethan asked.

"Well, I liked the story of Daniel. With the 'handwriting on the wall' and all that. People don't tend to see handwriting on the wall, do they?" Marcus was quiet as some gentlemen and ladies passed them by and he tipped his hat to them. They all smiled at Ethan especially, who bent at the waist to acknowledge them. After they strolled away, Marcus continued, "I don't believe in Bible stories, Ethan."

"I know. That you say they are just like fairy stories. But you can still have a favorite fairy story, or a favorite Bible story. I think I heard a story today that is my favorite."

"I had suspected you were trying to get around to telling me about it. So, my good little Christian son, what is the story you heard today that caught your fancy?"

"Don't laugh," Ethan warned, suddenly shy. He knew his father was not going to church because he believed in what was preached. He knew that his father went for the "social aspect," which Ethan did not understand much, but he knew he liked seeing other children once in a while.

Marcus raised his eyebrow. His lips quirked, but he gave Ethan an even look with his hazel eyes and said, "Very well, I shall not laugh, even if it is the story of Adam and Eve!"

Ethan pouted. "Why do you think that would be my favorite Bible story? People used to be monkeys! You said so yourself!"

Marcus' eyes sparkled with merriment. "Did you say that in class?" he asked mischievously.

"No." Ethan eyed his father. "Be serious? Please?"

Marcus laughed at Ethan's plea. "Very well then! We shall not speak about that subject any longer today. Now, I thought you were going to make a grand revelation about the Bible story you heard today that you simply cannot get out of your mind."

Ethan warily eyed Marcus. "Don't laugh."

"Ah, we're back to that again, eh? Alright, no more stalling, my boy! What is your favorite Bible story?"

"I heard about David and Goliath."

Marcus considered this for a moment. "Why would you think I would laugh at you for liking that story?"

Ethan shuffled his feet and said, "I don't know..."

"Has it occurred to you, my boy, that perhaps you see something of yourself in David? Is it not the case that we all need to face a Goliath at some point?"

*   *   *   *   *

Ethan stirred awake from the dream he was having. He knew that there was something unusual about the dream, and he struggled to recall it, though he'd just awakened. His eyes were gritty, and the left side of his head pounded rather mercilessly, making him slightly nauseous.

"What's that about David and Goliath?" asked a familiar voice. Ethan managed to focus and he saw Liam standing over his bed. Sophia was seated beside him.