Reboot

I spent as much time as possible meeting with everyone on the island. I saw Stan and Oliver - that was rough; François and Evelyne, The Dugars, the doc and his wife, Mary and Rick the Knot guy, Martin the engineer, my aikido group, as many people as possible. I played with Shake n Bake. Richard was completely healed by now.

Everyone had decided to stay on the island. It was their home now and they were willing to defend it. “It would be the same wherever we went anyway,” was the general consensus.

Mabel needed comforting because she was worried about her husband Bob coming with us and getting hurt. She gave me one of her famous hugs and said, “Robert darling, I don’t like your plan.”

I gave her a look that said many things, not the least of which was “You know our plan”? She guessed my thoughts. “What? You think that man can keep something from me? Don’t be silly Robert.” She went on: “If you’re going to take my husband on this adventure of yours, I’d rather you didn’t get killed if you don’t mind. You need a plan B. If you get up on that ship and they’ve figured out you’re not who you’re supposed to be, they might just shoot you before you get a chance to say anything..” I started to say something, but she shooshed me before I could interject. She grabbed my ears and put her forehead on mine.

“Robert, sweety, listen to me carefully: you neeeeed a plan B.”

Actually, I’d had doubts also and I was glad to have another point of view. We talked some more and I was quite impressed. She really did have a good idea. Couldn’t wait to discuss it with my team and I went to find them. We sat together by the beach for a few hours going over the details and then we were ready. We used the last day to rest, pack and say our goodbyes.

I toured the island for one last time. So much promise, but there really was no other way. I knew there was a very good chance I’d never see it again, and for the first time in my life, I was sorry to leave.