Radically Happy

Interlude from G.O.D., after the Hardest Difficult Part.

Lecher: It feels, um, inappropriate — me talking to a young boy.

Navaroop: Don’t worry. I’m actually older than you. I was here before you, though I was away for a long time.

Lecher: [raising eyebrow] Really? So you know who I am, and my purpose?

Navaroop: Yes. Your True Name is Connection. Sexuality is the strongest lever you could pull to achieve that, so it became your false identity.

Lecher bows his head in acknowledgment.

Lecher: You seem to know me better than I know myself. So where do we go from here?

Navaroop: Earnest is dead, or at least splintered beyond recognition. I need your help to reconnect Shylock to reality.

Lecher: Isn’t he lost in something like the infinite abyss of nothingness?

Navaroop: Perhaps. That is why you have to go after him!

Lecher: Wait, what? Me? I’m a lover, not a finder.

Navaroop: Same difference. Haven’t you always been a seeker, even if you were confused about what?

Lecher: …

Navaroop lays a hand on his shoulder.

Navaroop: Connection, I know it will be hard to get used to your new name. You have a lifetime of unfortunate habits to unlearn. Just remember that I love you, and Jesus loves you, and we both will always be here when you need us.

I love you, and Jesus loves you, and we both will always be here when you need us.

Navaroop

Lecher: But… why can’t you go? Why send me?

Navaroop: [smiling] You will see. Go in peace.

Lecher: [sighing] Why do I feel like I’m going to regret this…

To be resumed