THE DAYS THAT STARTED TO FEEL LIKE HOME
Chapter 5
In the afternoon, Ethan walked to the harbor.
The storm repairs were almost finished.
A new section of railing had been installed.
The rebuilt pier looked stronger.
Not perfect.
But stronger.
Ethan rested his hands against the railing.
A voice came from behind him.
“You still checking it?”
He turned.
Walter.
“Someone has to.”
Walter walked beside him.
“You know, it’s been weeks.”
“Doesn’t mean it can’t break.”
Walter laughed.
“You’re becoming paranoid.”
Ethan looked at the pier.
“Maybe.”
They stood quietly.
Fishing boats moved across the water.
The wind was cold.
A gull landed on a nearby post.
Walter looked toward the town.
“You ever think about what happened here?”
“Which part?”
“All of it.”
Ethan looked at him.
Walter continued.
“You arrived.”
“You saved the mayor’s son.”
“You stayed.”
“You got a job.”
“You met people.”
“You helped during the storm.”
“You helped us win the games.”
He paused.
“And somehow you’re still here.”
Ethan looked out at the ocean.
“Yeah.”
Walter smiled.
“Why?”
Ethan didn’t answer immediately.
He watched a boat move slowly through the harbor.
Then he said:
“I don’t know.”
Walter nodded.
That was enough.
