Ripples

When Evan was born Janet and Henry Noonan felt like something wasn't quite right. They carefully checked his tiny fingers and counted his toes, all there. They kissed his round pink belly and felt his pudgy freckle covered cheeks. Everything looked fine, yet something felt peculiar, a bit odd, even uncanny. How, what, when and why were constantly on the child's lips. It was not unusual to find him taste testing dirt, rocks, plants, and even spaghetti topped with whipped cream and chocolate sprinkles. By the time Evan turned four he had become quite opinionated about things and loved expressing his thoughts to anyone who'd listen. He'd have conversations with dogs, cats, birds, trees, flowers, ants, crickets, cockroaches, and even ladybugs. The bugs seemed to speak back, for he would talk, quietly listen, and then laugh or comment again. Could Janet and Henry ever understand the reason their son had such charisma? Would Nurse Anita Scofield come forward with the truth about the child's birth? How would the world, namely kindergarten, handle the presence of a Saint Francis want-to-be? Who is The Presence and why is he watching from afar? Will one innocent child and his simple acts of compassion save the human race from extinction?