To Remember

5

"Today is a special day." Vince said as he walked in front of the group. "It's been five years since we made it to our new home. We defeated Wicked, grew as a family, we made new friends and we've lost some too." He looked up at the stars that were starting to come out of hiding as the sun went down.

"We know that it's a bittersweet day, but we always remember the good that got us here. No matter who or what your good was we will remember and honor them tonight."

The crowd around me thundered with claps and cheers. The contagious energy filled up inside me and it made feel good. Happiness. Something I haven't felt or seen in a long time.

"Alright, alright!" Vince said as he tried to calm the crowd waving his hands up and down. "I haven't even got to the best part of tonight."

Brenda gave me a nudge with her shoulder. The crowd quiet down instantly, like some one had flipped a switch on their emotions. All eyes started to fall on me, mostly from strangers but I was able to see a the few friends I had in the crowd.

"Many of us have been waiting for this day and some of us weren't sure if it would ever happen. To be honest I was one of them but it did and we're so happy about it. Thomas you are the very reason why we are here. Without you I'm not sure any of this would have been possible."

I gave him a smile. I wasn't sure what else I could do or say considering I didn't have much involvement in making this place a home.   

"So Thomas please come up and give us a few words to start this night off right."

If only Vince could read my thoughts. What were the odds? I slowly managed to get up with the help of Brenda and my cane. I hobbled over to Vince and I faced the crowd.

"Well, I am not so sure what to say if I'm being honest. I don't recall much its slowly starting to come to me. Although what I do remember was Safe Haven. I remember the sacrifices, the planning, the fights, and the determination to make it here. You guys did it. I know there is a lot for me to catch up on and I would be more than happy to hear the stories of how this all came to be. So please don't hesitate to talk with me. I would love to get to know everyone, my new family." I started to get choked up. I was feeling all the emotions hit me at once.

I looked over at Vince and he gave me an encouraging nod to finish.

"Thank you. Thank you to everyone that, well, kept me alive that's for sure."

"You're welcome!" Someone yelled in the crowd.

I chucked and pointed towards the direction the noise came from. "I am so thankful to be alive and to be here with you all."

"Let's give it up for Thomas!" Vince yelled and the crowd started to welcome me with claps and cheers. Once the crowd settled Vince spoke again. "Now before we enjoy the provisions we have for us today, remember to pay your respects to the ones who couldn't be here."

Behind us was a large stone and a pathway that led to it was lit by torches.

"Alright. Let the night begin." Vince told everyone.

I started to go back to my seat but Vince stopped me. "Hey Thomas sorry for putting you on the spot like that. It's just I felt like it would've been a good thing for everyone to see you are doing well. I also thought this would be a great way to break the ice for you as well."