Chapter 19 - A Time For Every Purpose Under Heaven
The next day was our seventh day of the week, the day we reserved for rest and worship. However, to my disappointment, Harry showed no interest.
"But last night you told me you believed in God!"
"I said, I may believe in one, and that was when I was under the starry sky, when I was under the influence of the martini, or happiness pill, or whatever creeps into this strange place. I want to be left alone today, and not have my thoughts manipulated by others. Also, I've got too much work to do!"
"Work! This is our day of rest. Come on, Harry, get back into your hammock and relax."
"No! I must again record the position of the sun."
"Record the position of the sun!" I playfully slapped his back and laughed. "Come on, Harry, you must be kidding! It's in the sky, where it always is during the day. Surely you can stop just for the one day. I promise it will still be there for you tomorrow!"
However, there was no stopping him. Just as I thought the wonders and miracles of this world had finally done its work on him, he resorted once more to his old and stuffy ways. Armed with his pencil and notebook, he haughtily marched outside to his sundial and makeshift observatory. I thus left him alone for that day and went with my parents to visit some friends. Then, later that afternoon, as we went home to prepare for our worship session, Harry was gone. For just a brief moment, I again feared about his mental state. However, something told me that he was all right. I therefore changed into my formal robes and went with my parents to our Hall of Worship.
My parents and I were sitting in the front, listening to Carlos's sermon on the Prodigal Son, followed by the Parable of the Lost Sheep, where the shepherd left his ninety-nine sheep to look for the one that was lost. I knew Carlos was giving a hint to all of us. Then, at the closing hymn, I turned my head around and saw Harry, standing in the back with his pencil and notebook in his hand. When he noticed me, he gave me an ironic grin, then quietly disappeared once more, back into his solitude.