With This Pen and Paper

3

The last day of school came around a lot quicker than I would have liked. I didn't feel ready to leave and I felt as though I was missing half of my things. Simon had planned to drive me down and help me unpack. I didn't feel right about leaving him with everything that had been going on, it felt like at times all we had was each other.

Grandpa had taken me into town more times that I could count to get things for school. It felt as though every day he "remembered" something else we needed to go into town to get. Grandma had made me a beautiful knitted quilt in the school colours for me to take with me, I think she was trying to keep herself busy while I packed.

I had packed most of my clothes except a couple of winter coats. My bags sat near the front door for around a week before I left. They were just a constant reminder that I was the next one leaving the family and of the ones who had already left us.

The morning of the last day of school was the quietest morning since the day Alexander and Jonathon left. Simon and I walked to school for the last time ever in almost complete silence, until Simon broke it.

"we need to stop by the post office today"

"why?" I couldn't remember anything that we needed, nor did I recall grandma telling us she needed something.

"Alec told me to make sure I sent you with a pack of envelopes and stamps so that you remember to write to him and Jonathon. Mainly him he said." That was the first time since they had left that Simon had called Alexander Alec, it was nice to hear it again.

"Si, they have post offices there. I can buy envelopes and stamps when I get there" I knew that he was worried about me leaving and to be honest so was I.

"I know, I'd rather just get you some. I want to make sure you have everything you could possibly need". He kept avoiding eye contact which usually meant he was sad, I hated seeing him sad.

"You know its not too late. You can still apply to college. We could both go together then grandma wouldn't be so worried about us." I would have never admitted this to him then but now I wish I had it might've changed his mind about staying behind. I didn't want to leave him, and I was scared to go alone.

"I know, but Grandpa can't work the farm alone and plus the war can't go on forever I wouldn't be surprised if I joined you next semester" That was his way of ending the conversation but boy was he wrong.