Story · Story Quarterly 41
NOAH: When the Lord comes to you and says, I am about to put an end to all flesh for the earth is filled with lawlessness, how do you respond? It’s not like you’ve asked for this information. The only reason you came outside was to have a smoke; your wife, asleep after making love, has a sensitive nose. You’re just being courteous, a good husband—it’s the Lord who interrupts.
Do you answer, Yes sir! Oh, very good. That’s a fine idea, sir. Shall I be perishing as well? You love the people of this town. You are well-respected in their eyes; a judge, landholder, and father of three. Hearing this news sends the pipe tumbling from your mouth; your face grows wet with tears. To picture everyone dead—the corpses stinking to high heaven—well, it just rips at your heart.
You might plead, There must still be ten good people in the world. The Lord insists, I am surely going to destroy them.
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