The old man was laughing at me as I walked away. I was mad as hell, and I turned to him, to tell him to shut the hell up. Something in his smile confused me.
"I know you're mad son, and I know why. You don't want to come back, but you will. And why do I know you will? Because at heart you're a good man, and you know people here want you to be around. You hate this place, but you're willing to stick around for the few people who love you and need you. That's your weakness, son. It's also your greatest gift." He told me, with another knowing smile. "It'll hurt like hell, showing your face around here again, having to see all the things that have hurt you before. But you're stronger than you think, and sooner or later you'll be back for the folks here who need you. I'll see you then."
Then the old man turned and walked away. |