THE END

Appendix A. Addenda, Errata

So here it is. It looks like this, the end does. It's quiet and stealthy. Lonely as an empty classroom. And though you've spent so long preparing for it, it comes and leaves a million things undone, or worse, half done. Promises and things left unsaid roll away from it like the hubcaps from a car wreck.

So now I need to say a few things.

Mostly I'm sorry and goodbye. I'm sorry that I let the time slip away from me. I thought the whole time that I had, somewhere, another day. Even when it was clear I didn't, I told myself I did. Like a man who is told of an aurora borealis (right there, now, on the horizon!) but chooses to keep reading instead, thinking he will see another soon, when he knows in fact he will not.

So, my head down I missed it. The moment for goodbye.

Goodbyes I missed:

Michelle
Bill
Kate
Dan
Paul
Jen
Other Dan

Finally, Molly. I shorted you out of a good bye, and I'm very sorry.

So now to all, I'll see you around the bend, if God's willin' and the creeks don't rise. Take care of yourselves and do good work.

Japan, good bye.

Next post: from China.