13

A Chapter by Bob

One of the kids from the village, one of three that had made the rugby team brought John a message from Jim.

John I hope you are ready man. You know what they say about all good things. Speaking of good things mine is about to come to an end. I’ll be there in about two days. See you soon

Jim

It was short, no surprise there but it was right. It was time to move on, either he left now or stayed here forever but one thing was for sure, that he couldn’t postpone his departure for much longer. He truly loved this place, John was always easily pleased but it was a unanimous love from both him and the sub. He was fulfilled, he fit in and best of all everyday he got something wonderful out of the little bit he was doing. This place was beautiful too but he knew they would be others like it out there. For only the second time in his life he left true heartbreak at having to leave, the only other time was when he left his mother and his first home.

John was due today and the last two days was magnificent just as all the others. It went by relatively quick but not too fast. He immediately told everyone the news and after initial sadness, they all grasped the idea. John gave them a pep talk, a little pick-me-up speech and things went on as if the message had not come. They wanted to have another village party and after a year in this place, he knew what that meant. He had some say now and told them he absolutely did not want one. Classes were a bit longer that week and the children as well as everyone else went to bed a little later. They enjoyed the last two days together and he only got an hour in his quiet time place. Every day since telling them a parent, child and even Mathius would come, tell him how grateful they were and to thank him. They understood that he loved it here just as much as they loved all the changes and new things. He felt a bit sorry for them because they thought John had it all figured out, John had the plan and that he had started all of this. He only played his part in the new order here and he felt bad because they were scared. They were scared it would all fall apart and they were scared that it might all go back to the way it was. John had done his Job, he had taught these people everything he knew and everything they would need, he taught these men to fish. These people would get through all of this, whatever problem came along they would be able to deal with it. He believed that, he knew it.

Jim had hitched a ride to the fork and walked back to the village from there. They threw there things in the back of truck and said there goodbyes. Jim’s wasn’t as heartfelt as John’s but both was short after all he had said his goodbye for two days. The entire village was outside waving at the truck as it drove off. It was unbelievable. He was so happy to receive so much love, it was a first for him and also he had made a difference, he’d done something. “The big guy can take me now.” “I hate to say it but I couldn’t agree more.” “Not so fast Johnny, we still have a lot of living to do.”

They were on the road again and like a perfectly fit glove, it just slipped back into place. It felt like the first time and although John thought that leaving the village would change him it didn’t. He still felt sadness, loss and even regret from leaving but the road healed all wounds. They kept to the foot of the mountain, Jim letting him in on everything that lay beyond Farmsville.

“So what happened with you and your little doctor friend?” “You see Johnny she’d done her fair share of living and wanted to settle down for a while.” “And you’re too rock and roll to be tied down?” “That’s why I’m doing this with you man, You understand me,” he said

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