They are the two most intelligent people I've ever met. I can't prove it, but there is no doubt about that. I've known them for the better part of five decades so I do not say that lightly. Talk with either of them for an hour and I am convinced you would come to the same conclusion. He is a trained physical scientist, and a talented musician, comfortably retired now from a responsible government position. She is a self-taught polyglot, a recognized scholar in her academic field, a former professsional dancer, published writer, businesswoman and community leader. They both have had magnificent educations and established and productive careers, and even some measure of local celebrity.

They both share an unexpected trait: they are convinced of the existence of the supernatural. They believe in the spirit world, reincarnation, and psychic phenomena. She in particular believes she possesses psychic ability, he makes no such claims for himself, but is totally convinced in the existence of that world nonetheless. They are both my friends, and have been so for decades. Both are rather amused at my own skeptical and materialistic views, but do not hold them against me.

They were married for seven years, a stormy union, and are now divorced. They loathe each other now, and although they live in the same city and know many people in common, have not met face to face in over twenty years. Each has since remarried, and divorced. Both now live alone.

I really don't know what to make of this.