The Goodbye Boy (story)

It was moving day at David's house. He felt very sad. "Mom, can I go say goodbye?"

His mom had both hands holding parcels. This was not a good time to bother her. But he had to ask. "I want to say goodbye to my friends."

"I thought you already did."

"I know...but...just one more time?"

"Alright, go ahead but be back no later than 1 o'clock. Don't forget. What time?"

"One o'clock."

"You have your watch on. Good," she said.

David wondered what was so special about one o'clock.

He went to John's house. They had so much racing each other at the park. John was a good baseball pitcher too. No luck. No one home. How come?

He went down the street to say goodbye to Stephen. They had a fight once. But then they became good pals.

"Hi David. I bet you're looking for your friend," his mother said.

"Yup." He gave his best smile. His hair kind of flopped over his ears. Mom said he needed a haircut.

"Not here David. He went out with his father somewhere."

"Oh shucks, Mrs. Wasson. I'm moving today and...it's okay, I guess."

He went to Mrs. Lake's house. Stephanie should be home. Her mother was a painter. Mrs. Lake drew beautiful scenes of Victoria Park.

He also liked to climb Stephanie's tree house using a thick knotted rope. "A ladder is too easy," she used to say. But, Stephanie wasn't in either.

Mrs. Lake said, "She's not back from her swimming classes."

David went around the other side of the block. "I have to say goodbye to Ace," he said to the blue sky. The sun seemed to smile on David's freckles.

He heard Ace’s familiar bark down the street. David hurried to pat the friendly black dog. But David could not get Ace's attention. The barking grew fainter as he called out. "Hey! This way boy. Here."

It was no use. It seemed Ace was going the other way. "I wish I could hug Ace one more time," he said to the maple tree.

David headed for the park. He watched boys and girls having fun in the playground. Climbing the monkey bars, enjoying the swings and splashing in the wading pool.

The main pool in Victoria Park used to be so chilly. I'll miss the high diving board too, he thought.

"Will the lifeguard, Spunky, miss me?" he wondered, kicking at the grass. David couldn't see any of his friends. It was very discouraging.

What about bushy Red the squirrel? Each time David had a picnic with his mom, Red came by. He used to run down the tree and grab pieces of bread. Then scoot back up the tree again.

But Red wasn't around today.

And the crows that usually followed him on his bike trails were gone too. Their shrieks and cries were missing from the sky.

David headed back home. His shoulders were slumped. It was almost one o'clock anyway. His watch said two minutes left, so he began to run.

Mom said to be home by one o'clock.

"I wonder why," he said to the baseball park. He ran faster. David's feet flew like an eagle. His feet slapped at the pavement. Like thunder.

He came around the corner and suddenly stopped.

Ahead of him was a crowd of people, in his backyard. He could see the barbecue was on by its smoke. Hot dog and hamburger smells called to him.

Someone waved, "David!"

It was John. John's here at his house? That’s why he wasn't home.

As he got closer he spotted Stephen in the crowd. But he went with his dad? No, he’s here too.

And as he got closer, Stephanie ran forward. "Hurry up David, we're all waiting."

"Hurry up David!" everyone joined in.

"For me...?" he stammered.

"Yes hurry. We're ready to eat. Where did you go?" He let her take his hand and pull him along.

Ace ran forward and jumped against his chest. David rubbed under the dog's chin. Then he bent down and gave Ace a big hug.

By now his cheeks were wet.

His tears were like two rivers. They were happy tears and impossible to hold back. David felt all choked up.

Suddenly mom and dad were by his side. "We wanted to surprise you son. I knew it would be hard for you to move away.” She gave him a mother bear hug.

“All your friends are here,” his dad added.

Everyone had a great time munching treats and drinking pop. And laughing, running and talking all at once.

It was a great goodbye party.

Even Spunky the lifeguard came too.

High in his maple tree, busy Red chattered away.

David looked up and gave the best goodbye smile he could. “Bye Red” his whisper said.

“Bye sky. Bye trees. Bye house.”

He saved more smiles and tears for his other friends.

* * *

© Richard & Esther Provencher