Most that knew him regarded him as perfectly normal, despite his being a genius.
When the time came for him to go away for a while, it seemed reasonable enough. He just needed a bit of space, a bit of peace and quiet. He said he’d be gone less than a week. The university regarded his contribution to the Theology Project, put simply, the study of God, so great that they approved a short impromptu break without hesitation. None of the project’s team members were surprised that he had taken time off. Several of them had been concerned that he was pushing himself too hard. They felt he was heading for a burnout, and a break from it all would be good for him.
Beyond saying that he needed to resolve one or two issues, nobody actually knew where he was going or what he was planning to do. Being single with no pets to look after, his colleagues figured he would just lock up and leave.
It was when one of them happened to drive passed his house a couple of nights later, seeing his car still in the drive with some house lights on, that they began to wonder. That’s how one thing led to another. When the police called around they found him in the lounge room, slumped in an armchair, still holding the gun.
There was a note on the table.
It read, ‘I am making a short visit to heaven to speak with God. I feel sure He’ll clear up a couple of sticking points for me. I will provide the university with a full report on my return.’