A new puzzle and an old life
The weekend began the moment Trevis made it home. In fact, his dad had the car packed and ready. Therefore, as soon as Trevis pulled his bike into the driveway, it was time to leave. As he stowed his bike in the garage, his dad placed the last of their things in the trunk of the car. Ten minutes later they were on the road to St. Louis.
Trevis is glad they are returning to their old home. He missed his friends. Furthermore, he hadn’t wanted to move to begin with. Now he has a chance to catch up and he wants to experience every moment. It is a five hour drive from their new home. Although Davis would prefer to fly, he also thought the road trip would give them a chance to bond. Things have moved so quickly since that one particular day.
He stops the thought before it forms. This trip was about healing. They needed to keep things positive. Therefore, he asks Trevis about the school day, and for the next twenty miles they discuss the new school. It is a quality talk and it is the beginning of their journey back home. For the time being their focus is on other things. In fact, Trevis is so excited about returning home, that he completely forgets about the small wooden box Mr. Roberts handed him after class.
A New Puzzle
St. Louis hadn’t changed as much as Trevis feared. They were gone for six months (an eternity for a 12 year old) and as far as he could tell, everything was exactly the same. Of course, they were only just arriving. However, everything appeared to be the same. And Trevis feels tears building in his eyes. He quickly rubs his eyes and blinks away the tears. What would his friends think to see him crying like a little kid?
A few minutes later and they are beginning to reach the parts of the city that are most familiar to Trevis. He feels a great sense of happiness to see his home again. However, it is mixed with the things of the past, and Trevis can’t help but think of why they left. Or, of who they lost. This realization dampens his feeling of relief to be home again. He tries to think of his friends while they navigate the city, but it’s hard not to think of her.
As if reading his mind his Dad asks about food. Of course, Trevis is ready for a Jumping Jack’s burger. He’s been thinking about it since they left home. Now, as they near the restaurant, Trevis can smell the burger house, and he realizes just how hungry he actually is. Ten minutes later, they are dining in the front seat of the car. The food is delicious, and Trevis is looking forward to seeing his old friends. The new puzzle box, and the key, are far from his mind.
An Old Life
In fact, he doesn’t even think about the puzzle box again until the following Sunday night. The weekend flew by. Trevis saw his old friends, but it wasn’t the reunion he had envisioned. It was almost as if they were strangers again. They had some time and it was good to catch up. However, Trevis found himself thinking about the new puzzle box more and more.
He remembered the key in his pocket the day after they arrived in St. Louis. From that moment on it was almost the only thing he could think about. He was certain the key opened the puzzle box. Furthermore he knew, instinctively, that something profound waited inside that box. It was absolutely the only thing he could think about as they drove the five hour return trip home.
During that drive, he told his dad about the key. For the duration of the drive they speculated on what could possibly be in that puzzle box. Now, as they pull into the driveway of their new home. Trevis can’t wait to find out.
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