Ralph's Internal Conflict About the Promise

Ralph's struggle with the moral weight of the promise he made to Clotho and Lachesis.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

Making the Promise

A Fateful Bargain The Deal On the hospital roof, Ralph negotiates with Clotho and Lachesis. He agrees to stop Ed Deepneau in exchange for their promise that Atropos will not harm Natalie Deepneau. The bald doctors cut his arm as a sign of the pact. The Weight of the Promise Ralph does not fully understand what he has agreed to. He knows that he has made a bargain with forces beyond his comprehension. The scar on his arm is a constant reminder. A Sense of Doom Ralph feels that he has traded his life for Natalie's. He does not know when the promise will be fulfilled, but he knows it will be. The knowledge weighs on him.

Living with the Promise

The Waiting Years A Happy Interlude Ralph marries Lois and enjoys five years of happiness. He almost forgets about the promise. But the scar on his arm is always there, a silent reminder. The Return of the Deathwatch When the deathwatch returns, Ralph knows that the time has come. He must fulfill his part of the bargain. He is afraid, but he is also resigned. The Final Decision Ralph decides to go through with it. He tells Lois that he has to save Natalie. He knows that he will not return, but he cannot break his word. The promise is his bond.

Fulfilling the Promise

The Final Act The Sacrifice Ralph pushes Natalie out of the way of the car and is struck himself. He dies in the street, but he dies with a smile. He has kept his word. The Scar Fades As Ralph dies, the scar on his arm fades away. The promise is fulfilled. He is free. A Life Well Lived Ralph's sacrifice saves Natalie's life and preserves the balance between Purpose and Random. He has done what he set out to do. His internal conflict is resolved.

Tuesday night, October 5, 1993

1993–1998

August 1998