Edwin dashed down the stairs. To say he was excited would have been like calling Mt. Everest tall. There they were! His maternal grandparents had just arrived from their distant town of Pleasentville. The room was full of smiles and necks were hugged over and again. News was shared, some good, some not so much. Edwin's grandma had brought him some new clothes, for which he was grateful. He was in dire need of things to wear. Donovan had to show his grandpa his newfound skills with the old scryver Edwin's father was letting the boy use. Donovan was very adept for one of his age.
Soon though, Edwin had to rush out the door to join another party. One of his best friends from the academy was headed off to war as a foot soldier in the Army. Edwin had played football with Johan, and was accustomed to being around to protect him. Edwin was not fond of the idea of his friend going to war. But soldiers were needed, and he had to admit, Johan would make a good one. Finally Edwin made it to the party and shared stories and laughs with all present. There was a good turnout, for Johan was well loved.
But again, time came to leave. It was time to see the play at the Academy. Michail starred in a major role in a classic play by Shakestick. Edwin's family all came shortly after he did and they found their seats. The play was amazing. Afterward it was remarked that people could hear Edwin laughing from backstage in the dressing rooms. This brought Edwin great joy, many a time he had been complemented on his laugh, and he loved to share the joy he found in mirth. Edwin took photographs of all the actors and friends there. So many memories. He found his old drama buddies and they had a little impromptu comedy sketch. She was also there... His big Academy crush. He said hi, but made sure not to get caught in an interesting conversation, who know what that would have done to his nerves. She was, he had to admit, radiant that night. The picture he took would prove that to any non-believer. But Edwin distracted himself and found more friends and soon forgot about her.
He took his brother home. There they said goodbye to their grandparents for the night and congratulated Michail on his performance. Edwin had to tell a funny story about his new sandals before they left though. His grandpa had brought Edwin some new sandals that didn't fit right, but were just Edwin's size. Edwin loved them and put them on immediately. It wasn't for a little while that Edwin discovered a terrible secret. The sandals suctioned to his feet just well enough to make noises as he walked. That night at the play, he was asked by the director to pray for the performance as an Academy Alumnus and former drama student. To do so Edwin had to walk on stage. So in complete silence he walked the agonizingly long trail up to center stage. Each step, despite his efforts, made a noise. It started out as a chuckle, but the kids in the corner burst out laughing and that was when the dam burst. Edwin was embarrassed at first, but had to admit it was funny. It sounded like he had a bad case of the walking farts. After the laughter settled a bit, Edwin blessed the performance and went back to his seat. His grandparents laughed, recalling the scene. What good times had been had. They left not long after and Edwin's family settled down in the family room.
As his family talked, Edwin thought to himself. His brother had great potential to do whatever he wanted, but Michail was on a wait list to be considered for apprenticeship to a blacksmith. It was an art that had largely died out since magitech machines could manufacture their wares much faster and for less money. But Michail had his heart set on continuing these traditions on. Edwin smiled, he would one day be the brother of a blacksmith. It was too much like one of the old books he had read. Edwin was happy for him. Edwin himself was not so convicted about his own career choice.
One by one they trickled upstairs to bed. Edwin was soon alone on his throne looking through the pictures he had taken and reliving the night. It was great, so many new memories, and so many old ones that rushed forth. His brother had done such a good job coming out of his shell. One actor who was particularly good, and wore prosthetic facial hair, appeared in a great many photos. Edwin laughed at his favorite scene as he played it back in his mind. A group of characters talked loudly knowing the bearded man would eavesdrop. The bearded man, of course, did not know this and listened whilst sneaking around behind some bushes. Every now and again he would peep out from behind the bush with the most unique facial expressions, or make a noise then more animal noises to, ahem, divert attention. All it did was divert our laughter into an uproar. Edwin liked this scene especially, since he starred in one much like it while he was at the academy. Big ol' Ed, hiding behind this little potted tree. Pure comedy right there.
He went through the rest of the play and got to the pictures afterwards. There were all his old friends from his days as a thespian. That girl was there, the flash had lit up her face so no one could see it. Edwin thought it was fitting though, a face too beautiful to capture by mere film. He reminisced of his senior year at the academy. It was sad he let infatuation get in the way of a good friendship with a beautiful girl. Edwin sort of wished that maybe he could start over... but that would be such a long shot. The Lord will provide though, and Edwin took solace in this. There were many happy times in the Academy with all his friends. They would gather beneath a giant oak and talk or spar or just do whatever they wished.
Edwin missed his friends and those care free days. He had grown a lot since that time, and by looking back he could see where he had matured. His Lord was truly amazing. So, thinking of all that Edwin had done and been though and how his Lord had always been there for him, Edwin drifted off to sleep in tears. But with just a hint of a smile showing through the pain.
:'(
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