Dangerous World
"Haven't you ever thought that we should have done more? Didn't you think that it was possible for us to rise above where we started, or rather where we ended up? That this is not the end for us, but a new beginning and chapter? I do. I think there is still so much else out there for us. I know, it sounds sudden, but I've been thinking about this for awhile... I'm going to go and achieve my dream. I will be leaving you all. I'm sorry."
You were shocked. Some of you even stopped with the spoon hanging in you mouth, not eating any more at the sudden news from William. At least that was the first few moments. Voices suddenly found their way back to you and words were said, questions shouted, tears falling, it was an emotional time. William did his best to answer anything he could, though he could not explain what it was he was looking to do, but in time that he would come back for all of you. He would only be gone a year. He promised he would come back for everyone and no one would get left behind.
It was tense for awhile in the home. A heaviness hung in the air, for William had said at the end that he would be leaving in three days. It wasmuch to short, mostly no one could handle it, but eventually, as with all things, everyone had to accept the idea. On the third day, with heavy hearts and red eyes, everyone waved goodbye to William as he smiled, waving. "Don't worry! I'll be back soon. You won't even notice me having left! Hahaha."
The first few weeks after that were hard on everyone. Tasks still needed finishing, work was always to be found, but emotions had run dry, most were just walking husks. Some of you made jokes, some refused to talk about it in anger, but eventually, after the first month things settled back to how they were before. After a few months, someone remembered that William's birthday was coming up and even though he wasn't here perhaps they sould throw a party for everyone, to lift up their spirits. Some agreed but others didn't, at the end the party was held. It was a good release for everyone and it went much better than planned.
Soon, it was coming closer to the date that Willia, would be back. A kind of buzz filled the air, people were excited, even those who did not want to see William began to get eager. Eventually the day arrived... but William did not.
Perhaps he got stuck travelling from somewhere, perhaps something had happened and delayed him, many reasons were listed.
A month had gone by, and those still hopeful held on, believing that he would returned.
Another one... and no signs.
Fewer and fewer people held onto hope, joining those who felt only lost and despair.. that perhaps, William had left them... Or died.
His birthday was not celebrated that year.
A year had passed.
He seemed a forgotten memory, his things mostly gone now, and room closed up. It was a topic that no one spoke about.
Eventually, a total of ten years had passed since William left, most having forgotten about him, but the few of you, still remembered. Anger, bitterness, sorrow, a mix of emotions ran through all of you. You were adults not though, or at least more so, and work was needed to be done.
One day though, a letter arrived. It nothing written on the front, but on the back, just under the wax used to seal it were your names. The small group, the closest to William.. Some of you cried, some of you laughed, and others left in anger, but what did happen is the letter was opened.
Inside, a single piece of parchment was there. There wasn't much written though.
