CHAPTER 6: AN EMOTIONAL GOODBYE

      "We're there, already?!", Molly asked in surprise. As John nodded, the four of them hurriedly got up. All the eight visitors and John stepped down from the train. Lily looked at Alice, in concern, who was grimacing in pain and rubbing her head, that she had hit on the roof of the compartment while getting up hurriedly.

       "I'm okay Lily", was the only thing she said to her as an answer of her concerned gaze.

       The four youngsters looked around and found themselves, once again, at a station. But this one was a bit different from the other one. 

       "And as soon as you step out of this station, you will be at Tinworth Highland", John said, but his voice and his eyes didn't reflect the enthusiasm that he was trying to show. The Brackwells and George looked at him in confusion.

       "Take care, all of you. Lily, Eric, Brenda, goodbye. And hey, Ed, here's a chocolate for you. Your favourite one, with dry fruits in it", John said, with a grin on his face, but melancholic sadness in his eyes. 

       All the four teens were stunned to know that John was bidding adieu to them. They had assumed that he would be staying with them. But perhaps they were wrong. They looked at John with widened eyes. Molly gasped slightly.

       "Here, a huge bar of chocolate for all four of you. Just something to remember me by", John said, his voice cracking, and offered them a large chocolate bar. This time there was no hesitation in them, when they took the bar from him. 

       "John, why didn't you tell us earlier that you won't be coming with us?", Alice asked, her face reflecting dejection and unhappiness.

       "Well, I tend to forget things, don't I?", John said, laughing uneasily at his pathetic attempt at a joke.

       "You really won't be coming?", George asked, in disappointment.

       "I wish I could, but... it's... it's the call of my duty, you know. I work at Charlington Station and... and... that is where I should be? But, see! You are so disappointed with the thought of me not accompanying you? How will you leave Tinworth Highland", John said, sadness evident in his voice.

       "Because Tinworth is a place. You are a person", Molly said, almost in a whisper.

       There are relationships and bonds that go on for years, but the memories are forgotten in a matter of few minutes. But there are some relationships and bonds, that even if, last for a few minutes, the memories last not only for years, but lifelong. Perhaps, the bond of friendship that had formed between John Abott and the four youngsters, was something that belonged to the second category. Otherwise, how could the thought of going away from such a person, with whom you have met only a few hours ago, affect so much. For the youngsters, John, had transitioned from a stranger to the weird chocolate loving man at the station to a great acquaintance, to a wonderful friend, with whom they were unwilling to part ways. 

       They were all sad because it was time to say goodbye. But they were happier that they got to know John and found a great friend in him. Bidding adieu was hard, but the truth about hardships was, that they were a constant in life. And at that moment, it hit them, that they would have to bid goodbye to the other visitors too. It was just that the time to part ways with John, came earlier than them. And yet... yet, somewhere in their subconscious, they hoped that they would meet them again. That they would be gifted with a chance to know them again. 

       And after a teary-eyed parting with John, and a final look at him, all the visitors proceeded forward towards Tinworth Highland. John remained rooted to his spot, staring at the retreating figures of all the people who were so close to his heart. Only after they were out of his sight, did John turn back with a sad sigh, taking out a bar of chocolate and walked back to his place of duty. 

       Brenda and Edward Bay parted ways with the others, as soon as they were outside the station, without a word. Although little Eddie looked back and waved goodbye, silently. Lily and Eric just shook their heads in exasperation.

       "Okay, so if you excuse me Lily and my dear GROWN-UPS, then I would like to go to that inn I hired tomorrow and take rest. What about you all?", Eric asked. "Yes, go on Eric. I have to guide these young fellows a bit", Lily replied, and all five of them waved goodbye to Eric as he departed.

       "I hope you were talking about guiding us in how to get out of here", Fred asked, raising an eyebrow.

       Lily merely smiled and continued on their way to the city, in silence. And the four had no other option but to follow her. 

       And soon enough, they were at their destination. And they were awestruck. Tinworth Highland was nothing extraordinary. Rather, it was pristine countryside town. It was not any fairyland. But it had a magical aura around it. It was snowing there. But they weren't particularly feeling cold. Both sides of the streets were lined with houses and shops. This place was charming! It was making the teens have second thoughts about leaving.

      And this was only the entrance that they had seen. They saw a few people passing by. Some of them even stopped to greet them. Even the people here, were so warm and welcoming. "Hey! Still thinking about leaving, or have you got back your senses?", Lily asked, confident enough, that after seeing the charm of this city, no one could resist. 

      She remembered the first time that she had arrived here. She was as hesitant and stubborn as them. But soon, she warmed up to it all. She got a new world. A new home. A place where she found solace.

      "No. We are yet to decide whether we are going to stay or not", George spoke, expressing the thought on all their minds. 

       But this was enough for Lily. At least they were considering the option of staying here. Not straight out, running away. "Okay then, but even if you decide to leave, you can't do that today, because this is against the ethics of Tinworth. This place doesn't let it's visitors leave in such a hurry, you know. Robert McAdams won't approve", Lily said, grinning. 

       The teens only sighed, asking, "What's the plan for now, then?"...........

TO BE CONTINUED...

Author's Notes (A/N): Hello lovely readers!☺️... Did you like this chapter? It's a bit short, I know. But I'll try to lengthen the chapters a bit.😁

        We bid goodbye to John Abott 🙃😢... I was feeling sooooo emotional while writing that part. Could I portray the emotions properly?🙂... 

Isn't Tinworth Highland soooo charming and beautiful 😍... 

Aaannnnndd... What is your opinion about this Robert McAdams?😉

So what do you think? Are the teens going to stay, or will they leave the next day?😅

Do comment your views and opinions along with your valuable suggestions ☺️

Love you loads 💙💛...