The Mysterious Man

The local dentist, Mr. Tench, was visited by a very strange man today. He is causing a degree of curiosity in me. He seemed somewhat interested in obscure, suspicious subjects, as if he had deeper, more important motives. His interest in the girl, the General Obregon, and his questionable profession as a doctor all contribute to his question-raising existence. Could he be a man with hidden truths about him that he refuses to reveal, or is he just another lost man, drifting day by day and occasionally losing himself in deeper thoughts, like so many of us these days?

I found that this man showed slight interest in faith-related things, but does it signify something more? He commented on Mr. Tench's expression, "Ora pro nobis." or "Pray for us." He wanted to know if Mr. Tench was Catholic. What a touchy subject for a stranger, especially in times like these. He also comments on the Madonna in Mr. Tench's home. Is he hiding his religion? Or was he a part of the church in his past? He could very possibly be neither. After all, I saw him gulping down contraband alcohol, and he even showed extreme reluctance to help a child's dying mother, even though he claimed to be a doctor!

Whatever the mysterious man's identity may be, I am sure of the fact that he is conflicted internally. He shows it in the way he acts, jumpy yet apathetic to those around him. He obviously is dealing with or has dealt with a conflict recently. And his focus on the departing boat- does he truly have reason to escape or is he just dreaming of a different life? This man's actions captivate me, but is he just restless or is he hiding something?