Paul unzipped Steve’s backpack. He had not done so before, inside it was full of books. He decided to take a few with him, at some stage he was bound to be overcome with loneliness, and although he had not read much since he was a child maybe the stories could come to life in his head and keep him going if only in some small part. He rooted through to try and find the books by Steve's favourite author Darren Leach. He remembered how Steve would tell him all about the story and how well the author made you feel like you were within the story. Paul found four of them and stuffed them in his bag.
Paul picked up his guitar case and walked along the concrete floor. Stopping to say goodbye to Shy, she bunked in the next rack along to him. Since she lost her arm she had been staying with them, partly to be close enough to Doc James to get medical attention as and when she needed it and party because she was too scared to show her father back at Mercia what had happened to her. He hugged her. Carefully not to cause any distress to her injury.
Next, he said his goodbyes to Rachel, the children were fast asleep. He begged her to take them to Mercia, they would let them stay there. It would be safer than what was likely to come to this place. But she told him that she would not take the children away from Omar, they are a family, and they stay together. He understood where she was coming from but at the same time these children were their future and their legacy. He said farewell and for Rachel to pass the same warning on to Omar.
Clifford was waiting at the door, he told Paul that he was sorry to see him go and that he would be missed before he pulled on the chain and opened the shutter. Paul waved a hand at him to say goodbye when it was high enough for him to duck underneath.
Paul strolled along the yard, looking back at the units behind him. There could have been so much promise here he thought to himself. But blind recklessness will never lead to prolonged success even in normal times and especially not in exceptional times like what they lived in now.
Connor was stood at the main gate waiting for him. SA80 in hand, Charlton Athletic cap pulled down on his head. He asked him if he was sure he knew what he was doing. Paul was adamant, Connor reluctantly opened the gate to let Paul out. Paul shook his hand told him to stay safe, do the right things, you cannot save people in this world. Only yourself.
That is how he saw it anyway.
“No one saves us but ourselves. No one can and no one may. We ourselves must walk the path.”
― Gautama Buddha
After The Turn: Redemption Page 25
