There was a few of us there at the bar, swapping pints and so many stories. The barmaid cleaned glasses and eavesdropped, taking in the news. Jim was just back from holiday bringing cheap cigarettes and cheaper vodka. His shining suntan radiated around him, creating an aura of health and wealth.
Dave sipped at his lager, silent, yet part of the noisy whole.
“What’s up Dave?” asked Jim.
“Eh?”
“You’re not sayin’ much.”
“Just listening.”
“Naw ye’re no’. Ye’re miles away. Whit were we talking about?”
“Eh? Your holiday and that. The folk you met from Kirkcaldy.”
“Naw ya tube! That was ages ago. We were talking about the new Coldplay song.”
“Oh? Aye, well, maybe I was daydreaming.”
“Aye we know you were. What were you daydreaming about?”
“I don’t know.”
“Ye must know!”
“Eh? Well, I was actually thinking about the dichotomy between the sovereignty of God and free will. Like, is it possible for both concepts to co-exist? How can everything be foreordained and us have the freedom to choose our own paths in life? Or, is it simply the difference between fatalism and providence?”
Dave stopped as he realised that everyone was staring at him.
“Whit? Are you havin’ a laugh?” asked Jim.
Dave paused, gauged the situation and laughed: “Course I am. Pffft! Free will? I was thinkin’ about your wife’s tits!”
The laughter echoed in Dave’s ears as he went back to sipping his pint: “Free will my arse.” He muttered as he winked at Jim.
More tomorrow...
