OLD FRIENDS

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Submitted Date 02/24/2022
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"I've missed this," the old man said, squinting into the summer sun, feeling his age melt away. "Thank you for letting me come."

His friend nodded, reeling in his line. "I've missed you."

"Funny how time changes everything. Me and you. Our perceptions and priorities." The old man shrugged as he cast out his line. "I suppose it's natural after all these years. After what we've been through."

"Do you regret it?"

The old man laughed. "Regret? When I was younger I swore never to regret anything I've done. Now?" He nodded at the lake, sadness touching his eyes. "All this beauty and peace--yes. I regret what happened between us. But I guess we all follow our own destinies--however difficult."

"You had such rage."

"Yes, a great shooting star. It burned me." The old man trailed a finger in the water. "I'm down to cold ash now."

"Can you forgive yourself?"

The old man leaned back and closed his eyes. "Can you?"

"I have. Long ago."

"Too late for me. I cannot change my nature. The world is set in its course."

"No. The world has been off course and it's time to set it right."

The old man shivered in the sun. "It would be good to come home."

"It's time you did," his friend said gently. "We would welcome you. All of us."

The old man looked out over the lake, his gaze moving into brightness. "Thank you, Michael."

"It's been too long, Lucifer . . ."

 

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  • Cheyenne Hewitt 1 year, 12 months ago

    Wow that was good. Evoked a good amount of emotion in a short time and left me hanging at the end. All the things that make a book good in my opinion🙌🏼

  • Cheyenne Hewitt 1 year, 12 months ago

    Wow that was good. Evoked a good amount of emotion in a short time and left me hanging at the end. All the things that make a book good in my opinion🙌🏼

  • Brady Bowen 1 year, 7 months ago

    Love this.