Twenty years later, Bodhi marries and becomes a father. They move into the same valley within the Hills of Hope where Bodhi once grew up. They do not attend church regularly, but choose the Willow School for their children. Bodhi’s wife is open to belief, though her father left the Academy before graduating so God is not central to her life. She hopes to set a good example among her friends and community. But over time, she grows weary of Bodhi’s persistent doubts that surface during mass. Eventually he stops going, making it difficult for her to explain to their children why they must attend but Bodhi could not. 

In lieu of a stone church, Bodhi takes his children each Sunday to the nearby creek, to nature’s shrine, to partake in evolution picnics. They spread a blanket on the shore upon which they sit, eat their sandwiches, and marvel at what they see. Bodhi says to them:

the trees reach

minnows swim

the birds fly

and flowers brim

everything here

knows its role

not designed

but made whole

by evolution

nature’s rhyme 

shaping life slowly

over endless time

The older child responds:

my ridge friend says

evolution is flawed

believed by people

who don’t believe in god 

do you believe daddy

in god with might 

who governs all

who decides what’s right

i hear mom talking

upset that you don’t go

to mass with our friends

thinking better you know

Bodhi hugs both his children tightly and answers, as a goat peers through the trees:

my dear loved ones
for better or worse
god feels different to me
he doesn’t bless or curse

he does not judge
nor speak so clear
i wish i knew
why we are here

you will discover
what to believe
as you grow older
your own truth to weave

instead of answers certain
i give you space to see
to question what is given
and choose what feels free

The younger child responds:

i have no idea dad

what you’re talking about

you are always yapping 

about some truth to doubt

Bodhi laughs softly and kisses their heads. They pack their things and walk along the creek home.