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"It's Time"
End of Series Spoiler (sort of)
Overhead the P.A. system blares out another destination message and I look at him.
It's time to let him go.
His green-grey eyes search my own, worry, confusion and fear clear to someone who has spent years learning to read the subtle nuances of his expressions.
I smile, timidly, tentatively. As is his way, he does not smile back.
Overhead the P.A. system blares out another destination message.
He is not sure what to do next and his hesitancy almost breaks my heart.
It's time to let him go.
Maybe with this parting the pain will recede from his eyes.
Maybe with this parting he will finally have what he has searched for all these years.
Oh, he never meant for me to witness his sorrow, never displayed it on the table in front of us like an offering of sacrifice, but I knew.
I knew the far-away look that would creep into his eyes at times.
I knew the longing that would keep him awake at nights.
I knew the sacrifice. I knew and I loved him for it, once I understood.
It's time to let him go.
Overhead the P.A. system blares out another destination message and I look at him.
"Well, that's me. Keep in touch." I say, making sure I sound cheerful and carefree, as I will be again, I know. I hug him close. "I love you, Dad."
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