Do Not Despair Greatly


Freewriting Experiment #5


"Do you ever think we should just stop doing this?"

Reepicheep had been dreading this conversation for many years now, and was now finding it extremely difficult to respond to the inevitable that he had always known. Putting on a brave face, he swallowed the bit of saliva that was building at the back of his throat.

"Many times, yes. To be honest, we should have stopped seven years ago."

"I understand. You're….you're not exactly the person who would do this type of thing."

She bowed her head and gently produced a tear, which the mouse stopped dead with the entrance of his paw which graciously lifted up her head.

"You are not at fault, my dear. The shame lies with me. For I sought what my wife did not have and I simply disowned what I promised to keep. So do not despair greatly. If anything, be proud of the fact that you faithfully survived."

Somehow, despite his shame of his credence and spirituality, Reepicheep managed to smile up at The Ferret he had been courting. The Ferret, whose name was simply Mary, embraced him with a heavy sigh.

"I still feel as if I bear the same guilt and shame as you. For I too was seeking something I simply did not see in my husband."

The Mouse embraced her willingly and nodded without hesitation. "I do hope that you shan't look me with disfavor."

"I am afraid that is what shall befall us both, Reepicheep." Mary let him go and headed for the front door with a faint smile of friendship, at least in part. She passed through the threshold without another word.

When she began to walk away and out of his life, Reepicheep closed the door.

"So," The Mouse said, walking over to his desk where an ink pen and a piece of parchment sat waiting.

"We shall be marked and shamed for this. In the same way a regent falls from grace, so have I fallen from the acceptance of His Mercy."