Ruth Davids opened her copy of To the Lighthouse and started to read.

"He was not 'in love' of course;" the story of Mrs. Ramsey continued, "it was one of those unclassified affections of which there were so many. Oh, but nonsense she thought; William must marry Lily. They have so many things in common. They are both cold and aloof and rather self-sufficing. She must arrange for them to take a long walk together. (Virginia Woolf)."

Ruth looked up to see if anything had changed at the mansion at the opposite side of the street. She had positioned herself in such a way that she had a clear view of the house while at the same time being well hidden for the inhabitants of the, to her ridiculous, large house. Well, inhabitant actually, which made it even more preposterous. S. Smith, the plaque at the gate had said. Funny name, even to her as a foreigner. No, nothing happened, all quiet, for the time being.

She looked at her book again. God, so many times she read this book and so many times she loathed and loved the leading character: Mrs. Ramsey. The undisputable matriarch. A meddlesome yet isolated woman. Unable to understand the mind of some one else. How she envied the ignorance of this woman for other peoples feeling, seeing the world in black and white, never the shades of grey in between. Often she wished she could block herself, her own perception, like Mrs. Ramsey, and only live inside her own head, like everyone else. And how she longed for the confirmation that Mrs. Ramsey got of her own identity through her social and familial position. Family, a strange and empty word to Ruth Davids.

Heavy footsteps. Just as she expected. Gene Purdy came up to the house. Her eyes darkened as she thought about their conversation yesterday. "You can't get rid of me that easily Purdy. Why are you protecting this Mr. Smith?"

"Gene, come in."

John took back a step without using his cane for support to let the reverend in and instantly wish he hadn't. He grabbed the doorpost to steady himself, and Gene, without thinking grabbed John's elbow.

"I'm sorry I can't tell you more Miss Davids."

He was in Gene's office. Gene pouring something to drink while Ruth Davids sat at his desk watching pictures of what seemed like a car crash.

"I see. But, there are a few things I do not understand, Reverend."

"Tell me, Miss Davids" said Purdy who had returned to his big chair behind the office. The leather creaked under his weight. Miss Davids smiled. A smile that did not reach her eyes.

"I visited an asylum, not far from here." A brief Silence hang over them like a thunderstorm. Purdy shifted uneasily in his chair. "I think, no, I know, Reverend, that you are not telling me everything." Purdy suddenly stood up. "Miss Davids, I'm very sorry for your loss, but I told you everything I know and I assure you that's what happened. The alliance has done everything for you humanly possible and.. "

"Oh yes, very humane indeed" Ruth said sarcastically.

"Ï do not wish be questioned in my own office Miss Davids. If you would please leave." He walked to the door to hold it open for her. While his back was turned Miss Davids took a letter from his desk. Before it disappeared between the pictures and under her coat John saw that his own address was written on the envelope.

"John, you look awful, you know that?"

He breathed deep and focused on the Reverend standing in his doorstep, still supporting him.

"Leg bothering you again?"

John shrugged. "It could have been worse. I'll live."

Gene looked as if he seriously doubted that.

"Come on in Gene."

"No, thank you, I just came by the apologize for yesterday. I finally get you to attend one of my services and then I don't even have time for you. I'm so sorry."

"Forget it. By the way, who was that girl Gene?"

Purdy's smile remained bravely on his lips but the rest of his face pulled away from it.

"Why, did you have a vision of her?"

"No" said John averting eye contact. One of these days, John thought, he just had to learn how to lie. Without it showing up in his face in Neon letters. "Just common interest."

Purdy relaxed.

"Well, quite sad actually. She was, is, a daughter of two of our parish members. They both died some twenty-five years ago, when she was still an infant. A car crash. Not far from the place where you…well. Anyway, lacking any family the alliance took care of the child after her parents' death. Made she sure she got adopted. Got a good home."

"And now she is back to find her roots? That's it?"

"Yes, something like that."

"Poor woman" technically he himself was an orphan, but losing your parents at such a young age, not knowing who you really are, he couldn't begin to imagine how that must feel.

"But, the accent?"

"Yes, well, her adoptive parents migrated to Europe not long after her adoption. I really have to be going, John." Enough of my questions? Johnny thought, but left it unspoken.

"So, once again my apologies Johnny, and please, take care of yourself, you really look awful."

John closed the door behind Purdy and thought about the young woman. He shook his head trying to get the image of her sad smile out of his mind. He'd better put on his sweat suit. Bruce could be here any minute now and John was sure he would give him hell.

The backdoor was locked. The front door heavily secured by cameras and all the windows barred shut. "Great," Ruth said to herself "a hermit." She considered ringing the doorbell but quickly rejected the idea. What was she to say? "Hi, we saw each other at church yesterday. I know you don't know me, but I know that Reverend Purdy is protecting you from me. No don't' ask me how I know, I just do. Let's just say that I am not what you might call ""normal." " Not a good idea. Definitely not a good idea. Another window. Also shut. She gave it a frustrated pull and almost screamed when a hand fell on her shoulder. "Miss Davids? From church, yes? I'll be damned. And you looked like such a shy, well behaved young lady. If you would come with me please, then we can call the police. I believe this is called trespassing, isn't it?" said Bruce.