47
William felt pleased he had thought of placing the ad in the personals section of the paper. He knew for sure that the kid would place the ad, and for some reason he was convinced Kate would find it. William stopped the car. He was back at a familiar house and a familiar person was on the front porch drinking a cup of coffee. William got out of the car and opened the front gate leading to the porch.
“Good morning, Bill.” Frank had walked down the steps to meet William as he entered the yard.
“I came by to say goodbye, Frank. I am going to start my journey home today.”
“Did you forget you move forward into the future in the afternoon? Why are you off so early in the morning?”
“Well, I am not going to the future just yet. I have some unfinished business in the past, actually in the present.”
“Are you going to visit your mother and father before you leave? Can’t say that I blame you for wanting to do so, it may be the last time you will see them.”
“Listen, Frank, thanks. I will never forget you. And I wish you all the happiness you deserve. I really respect the fact that you have chosen to remain here and that you want to lead a normal life with your wife and mother. Is there anything I can do for you? Would you like me to give your son a message for you?”
“It may be better to leave well enough alone. I would hate to think what Paul would do if he knew I was living somewhere in the past, or what he would do if he knew one could travel in time. Paul would be the first one here to save me. If I ever see him here I will know you have sent him and as much as I will be happy to see him again, I will curse you for having told him where I am. So just pretend you never met me, and go back to your family and live every day to the fullest. Promise me that!”
“You got a deal, Frank.”
The two of them shook hands, and they hugged the way old friends do. And as William turned to leave, he held his hand up and they exchanged a high-five that only the best touchdown at the last minute of a football game could merit.