Desolation

“Are you ready?” Steve popped his head in the door and knelt down in front of her. He looked at his wife’s solemn face. He looked much more melancholy. “It’s time.” Her face sank.

It was the day she had dreaded but had known it would come soon. It was the day they had to say goodbye.

59. How We Got There From Here

Max had the Blazer packed for the next part of their journey. With Wilber’s and Herb’s help, he was able to completely fix all the engine problems they were having. They didn’t have the electrical tools like they did in the past, but they had an unlimited supply of parts, from a seemingly endless number of cars at a dump only a few hours ride from here.

This was going to be a tough goodbye as the Kings and Max were not likely to see Darla, Steve, and little Toma for a long time, maybe never. After losing their son but reuniting with their daughter, Bill and Lisa were hesitant to separate again. Staying here was certainly tempting. Herb had done a marvelous job of creating this community from the ancient ruins of a lost Indian tribe. Max could see the draw of this place. It was sort of mystic, but more than that, it had the one natural resource that few others could count on: fresh water, at least for now.

Max almost hated pushing the Kings to make this decision, but it was time. They had stayed long enough to witness their grandson’s birth and spend time getting to know him and their son-in-law. Now they had to leave, or at least he did. He wanted to give them one more chance to say no, to be sure that they wanted to make this pilgrimage.

Steve walked into the ranch house, with Darla beside him clutching baby Toma in a cross-body sling over her right shoulder. It was similar to a design she had seen in a book in Herb’s library, about the Indian tribe who had occupied this place. Funny how some designs work just as well one thousand years later. The Kings were already seated in the great room that used to be Herb’s study and their living room.

“It’s that time, when I have to go,” Max said slowly. “Before I say anything more, Herb, you’ve done an amazing job with this place. If I didn’t believe I could make a difference, I would stay here with you and this beautiful community that has formed around you.”

Herb acknowledged with a smile and nodded his thanks.

“I also feel great about Darla and Steve and their son, Toma, living here, knowing that they will be able to forge a fruitful life here together. That said, Bill, Lisa, and Sally, I want you to reconsider coming with me and stay here.”

Bill stood and was about to offer a rebuttal, but Max cut him off.

“Sorry friend, but let me finish first. Then I want you three to discuss it once more before you make your final decision.

“As I was saying, I think you should stay now. Obviously, if you do, I will miss you all deeply. It’s true that I think your talents would be invaluable to Cicada, but I don’t want to be the cause of another separation from your family. Life is short, and who knows how much time we have left, so I couldn’t blame you for wanting to stay. It is a rich and safe place to be.” Max paused for a bit and then finished with, “I’m going to wait outside.”

They were quiet while he left through the squeaky front door.

Bill spoke first. “But what happens if…” he trailed off.

Lisa picked up the thread. “Wait, that’s not what he said….”

They seemed torn and unable to complete their thoughts, their words mirroring their indecision.

Sally stepped in and with confidence announced, “Well, know this, whatever you decide to do, I’m going with Max. I feel I need to do this. I still have a skill, but it’s not for farming and ranching. I’m just not cut out for that. I need to be looking at code or tapping away on a computer. I’m hopeful that I can make a contribution at Cicada and that my contribution helps this world. I owe this to my brother, just as much as I do to my sister and my nephew.”

After only a few minutes of debate, they each announced their decisions to the group.

“Let’s all tell Max,” Sally proclaimed.

The Kings came out onto the porch and told Max the news. The three of them were going after they said goodbye to everyone.

When it was Max’s turn with Darla, Toma, and Stepha, he offered them a gift.