When the sun woke me the next morning, I felt better than I had anticipated. I sat up on the edge of the bed, and thought about the events of the night before. Mary was already awake; I could hear her in the kitchen. The smell of hot cider filled the house, and stirred me to my feet. I walked to the table with the bowl of water on it, and splashed my face. It was very refreshing, but I couldn't wait to get a goblet full of Mary's hot cider.
"Good morning, my husband," She said sprightly.
I never got tired of hearing those words in the mornings. It was an invitation to have a great day. As I walked into the kitchen I noticed she was alone.
"Where's our guest?" I asked.
"He is outside. He said something about the morning dew, and how he wanted to feel it for himself," she answered, "Why don't you join him."
I grabbed my goblet of hot cider, and went to the front of the house as Onesiphorus was coming inside.
"So, how's the dew this morning?" I asked.
"Wet," He said.
"Were you expecting something different?" I asked.
"Not really. It is a gift from heaven, I suppose," He said "It does keep the dust settled for a little while, doesn't it?" I said.
"That it does, Michael. So, how are you feeling this morning? Any dew on you?" He asked comically.
"No, my friend, I woke nice and dry on the outside, but the buzz of last night is still within me, though," I answered.
"I can only imagine," He said.
Mary called us to the kitchen to eat. As usual, she had cooked enough for an army, and we ate well. The conversation around the table was focused on the strange little man, and the events of last night. She had made some fresh bread and prepared some tasty looking fish. We were both very hungry.
I can only say," I started, as I reached for some bread, "that last night has made a profound impact on me. I won't be able to see anything, or anyone, the same anymore."
"God is famous for that very thing, Michael," Onesiphorus stated.
"If this is what every Christian feels, I can understand why men like our prisoner would be so influential. After all the different gods that Romans have worshipped are discovered to be no more than a piece of marble on a stand, I can see why the God of Christians would be so controversial," I said.
"Yes, many gods have come and gone, and I can say I have never encountered one like the one I serve now," Onesiphorus said.
"Are you going to actually get to meet Nero today?" Mary asked.
"I doubt it," I said, "He rarely mingles with the guards."
