Reboot

It was a happy day when we landed back on Tetepare. We brought the children over by RIB. The look on our friends’ faces as they started coming ashore was priceless. And no one was more pleased than Mabel. It was a bit hectic as the kids were let loose on the beach. Some were traumatized and had to be taken care of, but most were happy to be free and ran around and played on the beach. Then the kids just started yelling and dancing and singing. It turned into a party and everyone got to know each other. We organized games on the beach, went swimming, built a big bond fire and told stories.

While everyone was having fun, a few of us took care of the logistics. Where to sleep a hundred kids? We put a lot of them in the boats that were still seaworthy, with one adult in each one. Many adults took a few kids in their newly rebuilt homes. The rest were all put in the new hall for now.

As soon as I could, I went straight to Mabel who was holding on to Bob with both arms and smiling from ear to ear.

“You were right.” I said. Your plan B worked perfectly and we would’ve been toast without it. I wanted to thank you.”

“This is thanks enough. My man safe here with me. And those kids. My God Robert. She gave me a hug. “You really did good. Both of you,” she said while looking at Bob with a look of pride on her face. “Come with me you, I want you to tell me all about it.” And they wandered off together, Bob looked back at me with the same smile. It’s good to be a hero once in a while.

William gave his boat to Mack who was very grateful. It really was an impressive speeder.

My house was now available for new tenants, so I gave it to four of the older girls. They immediately set to redecorating it. I let them go at it without watching because I knew it would hurt. The responsibility for the children was divided amongst the families and adults on the island. New constructions began immediately.

We stayed for three days to help out. The crew came ashore in groups of five to enjoy my island and to help out with the kids. I felt like it was mine. I built this place, it affected me, changed me. It made me who I am now.

But we had to go.

I took a last walk around the place with Joanna. I wanted to show her all my favorite spots.

“It’s absolutely gorgeous. I can’t find the words to describe it,” she said while we were near my tree house. “Must be hard for you to leave.” She looked at me with a motherly look. She knew what I needed and effortlessly changed roles to fit my needs. I realized that we were now a singularity. No longer a couple. We had bonded and where I dented, she plugged. Where she bent, I straightened.

“Very hard. I’ve never had a home and this was my first. I could’ve stayed here my whole life, easily,” I answered sadly and squeezed her hand harder. I looked at my house and a tear ran away from me.

I don’t know what it is about women and men’s tears, but she jumped me right there behind my big tree.