RetirementSam and Sophia had settled into retirement. With very little that they needed to do now, they spent most of their time catching up on relaxation, sometimes separately…
..but usually together. They were often out of the house all day, visiting Sam’s favourite places from his childhood…
…and discovering new ones.
Each of these days ended the same way, stargazing by the waterfalls.
And then, one night:
“Soph, there’s something I want to play for you.”
“
Ana and the Genie? Sam, you’re playing your mother’s songs?”
“Yes, well, you remember you told me you’d written your family’s history? I thought I should tell my half of the story.”
“I thought you were writing a book.”
“I am. It’s just about finished – but it’s not really about my family. You know I said that everyone moved out after we ate Ambrosia? I realised that I had relatives all over Simland and they’d told me a lot about their towns. And you’ve talked about growing up in Sunset Valley. Some of our descendants are going to have to move to other places, so I thought I’d pass on all the insider knowledge – maybe help them decide where to go.”
“Sam, that’s a brilliant idea! So where do the songs come in?”
“I’ve recorded my own version of
Annals. Not for release – just to pass on down the family. I don’t think Mum would mind.”
“Even…?”
“
Poison Boy? No, not until now. I needed to find the right time and place. I think this is it.”
“Oh, Sam, I love you... Come on, let’s go to the Lodge. It’s getting cold here.”
“I can’t believe you made yourself do it... actually recording
Poison Boy. And your version… I love Louisa’s, of course, but yours… I thought I was going to ruin your recording by crying. How did you manage to keep singing right to the end?”
“I don’t know. I just did – although I don't think I could have done it without you standing there. I couldn’t have done any of this without you.
“You know, I’m still chilly. I could really do with a hot shower. Care to join me, Soph?”
Neither of them had noticed the shadowy figure lurking outside.
That was all right. He was in no hurry and these two were good value. He could wait for them a little longer.
* * * * *
“Soph, can you listen to something for me?”
“You wrote a song about us?”
“Yes. What do you think?”
“I love it – a sort of appendix to
Annals. And I'm very flattered, of course, you old smoothie. Are you going to record it?”
“If you think it’s good enough, then yes. All it needs is a title. I’ve been calling it
Poison Boy Grows Up. I ‘d prefer
Golden Years but that’s already been taken.”
“What about
Going for Gold?”
“Perfect!”
* * * * *
“Philip, we have a present for you.”
“A present? It’s not my birthday or anything.”
“No. This is something different – a box of memories, to pass on to your children and grandchildren.
“You might like to add to it yourself, as you get older. We’ve both written books and Granddad’s recorded some songs. Your father’s supposed to be putting together a photo album. You may have to remind him. I think his memory’s starting to go.”
“There are letters as well. Letters to our descendants. You’re the last one we’ll be able to talk to directly. We know you’ll do a good job bringing up your eldest to follow you as heir but we wanted to add our own message to him or her. Will you make sure the box is kept safe and passed on?”
“Of course – and I’ll make sure Dad does his bit, as well.”
* * * * *
“So what do you think, Soph? Did we do a good job with our kids and grandkids?”
“I think so. They’re all good people, in their different ways.”
“I’ve often wondered but never quite dared to ask. Do you ever regret agreeing to Grim’s scheme?”
“Sometimes, yes, of course I do. I’d have liked to have had more time. More time to learn things. More time just to enjoy being a mother and grandmother, without the constant tutoring… and above all, more time with you. But without Deirdra and Grim, we’d never have met. And I can’t imagine life without you now… What about you?”
“You know me, Soph. Daft Old Codger. Scaredy Cat."
"Sam, why do you always say that? You're brave in so many ways."
"You think so? I can't see it. Of course I want more time. Lots more time – and maybe we’ll get it one day, if Grim keeps his promise. But you’re right. Without his challenge, we’d never have met. I’d have carried on with my pointless little existence, hiding from everything. Instead, I’ve been living. Really living. Even if this is all we get, it’s been worth it. We’ve had a good life… together."
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