Daphne Deane #19

the long version

Keith Morrell had returned to his home town after several years absence. His visit would be brief and final, its only purpose to meet with a real estate agent to finalize the sale of his childhood home. Both his father and mother had passed away, most recently his mother, leaving him alone and the old home empty, except for the happy memories of loved ones now lost to him. But events did not unfold as Keith planned or expected. His real estate agent left word that he'd be late, and while Keith waited for his return, he watched a baseball game, and then a girl in the stands that seemed familiar to him. Something about her reminded him of his beloved mother. And so Keith met Daphne Deane, an old schoolmate he'd admired, but had never interacted with in social circles. The meeting stirred up old memories, misplaced ideals, and kindled a desire to reclaim the relationship with God he'd before his college years. Such stirrings, however, would not go uncontested. There was his life in the city, the pull of a lifestyle contrary to his godly upbringing and centered on beautiful Anne Caster, as well as the old home itself, and the plans of the person determined to buy it.