The Explorer and the Doctor - John and Lily Dolittle

Chapter Four - Friends

"Do you really have to go?" Barry whined.

"I'm afraid so, my friend," John told him, scratching affectionately behind the orange cat's ears. 

"I wish you didn't have to go," the tiger cub muttered sadly, his ears drooping.

"I know, and I'm sorry, but this is your home, and now I must return to mine in England.  There are many other creatures out there who need help too."

"Will you ever come back and visit?"

"Of course I will."

"Thank you for everything.  I'll miss you, Doc."

"You are most welcome.  I am always happy to help. And I'll miss you too, Barry."

"And Lily will miss you too.  And Poly."

John smiled. "And I will miss them."

It had already been three weeks since his arrival in Monteverde. John felt that there was still so much of the island he hadn't seen yet, but he had to return home to England - his practice and animal sanctuary awaited him. 

 A ship was readied to take him on his journey - courtesy of the king and princess. 

"I cannot thank you enough, Doctor," Rassouli said. "For all you have done for Barry."

"Always happy to help." He gave them some instructions about tending to the tiger cub.

The two men shook hands.

"Your work is certainly exceptional."

"Thank you. I try my best."

"You are welcome here anytime."

"Oh, well thank you. That's very kind."

"Thank you, Doctor," said Poly.

"You are most welcome, Poly."

Last, but certainly not least, he bid farewell to Lily.

They had shared an instant connection, those two, and had grown close over the few weeks he had spent on her home island. 

"Keep in touch," she told him.

"Of course," he promised. 

"Write to me."

"Yes, will do. Definitely."

"Oh, and-" She reached into her little shoulder bag and withdrew something.  "-For your journey back, just in case." She handed him some ginger root. 

He chuckled.  "Thank you."

They exchanged one last smile, and then he was gone. 

-----------------------------------

Dear John,

Hola!

"Who's John?" 

Lily jumped at her father's voice suddenly behind her. Her sudden movement caused droplets of ink from her pen to splatter across the page she was writing on.  Great, now she would have to start over. Luckily she hadn't written too much so far, and at least she hadn't knocked the ink pot itself over, spilling ink everywhere. Still, this page was ruined.  

She was seated at a writing desk in the palace library. "Papa! Were you hovering looking over my shoulder?" she scolded, withdrawing a new piece of parchment. 

"No." She gave him a look.  "All right, maybe a little. I was curious as to what you were doing."

"You could have asked."