Two people, a man and woman, left the rowdy wedding party and walked out into the night. The man looked at the surrounding buildings trying to remember the inn where they were to stay . The woman looked at the sandy ground.

     “Mother,” he sighed, “why did you ask me to do that. You know it is not yet my time. You expect too much of me”

     She looked abashedly away from him and wrung her hands.

     He continued, “I know my father would not hold it against you, but,” he seethed, suddenly angry, “I do not relish being asked to perform such trivial feats, just for the sake of some party! I am- I should be better than this!”

     She stopped abruptly and met his eyes, looking at him with sadness and compassion.

     He sighed again. “I am sorry. I know I am not perfect, Mother. I should not expect to be.”

     She began walking again and they could now see the inn at the end of the road.

     “I am sorry. I just- I do not like being used.” He paused and laughed at this
realization. “HA! How is that? I do not like being used. What a laugh.” He looked up at the stars and shouted, “Do you hear me Abba? I do not like being used!”

     He laughed again, and as they came to the door of the inn he said, “ Tomorrow we will leave for Capernaum.”

     She nodded.

     He was confused for a moment. “Mother, why do you not speak to me?” she walked past him and into the inn, not speaking a word. He looked up at the stars again for just a moment before shutting the door against the cool night.