Was it the rock that did this to him.

That was a question that had plagued the Father since the day Charles came back different, or at least since the day the Father had realized his old friend was changed.  It brought the entire experience back for him.

"That's the question isn't it?  It's one that's been ticking in the back of my head."

He rubs his wrists in thought, trying to figure out how honest he should really be but deciding to just unburden himself.

"I'm a Father, you understand yes?  I've devoted my life to the Good Book.  I believe deeply in the Lord.  In his power and his wisdom.  In his central goodness.  And this entire experience, it has thrown me for a loop."

He looks apologetically to Aveline, "I'm not as strong as I always thought myself to be.  My faith has been tested and much as I want to say otherwise, it has been found wanting."

"Did the rock do it to him?  I can't be certain.  Whatever did it to him, I wasn't able to do anything to stop it.  I did everything within my capability both theologically and medically.  As a pastor and as a doctor.  I couldn't stop it.  I couldn't even make a dent. I..."

"I don't know, and I don't what would be worse.  If it is or if it isn't.  If it is, then it's a poison running through the veins of this country.  If it's not, then what did this?"