"Thanks you for your purchase! Would you like anything else?" said the clerk.

With a smile on my face, I respond. "Thank you, my dear. I'll be coming once again next year, assuming my old bones don't crumble to dust by then!"

I would soon find out that my hearty laugh was not destined to continue for more than two seconds.

"Heaven forbid! You're still young Dr. Dawson. God willing, you still have many years more to go!" said the clerk with a kind smile.

"Time will tell youngster. I've lived a long life; This is your generation's era. Enjoy the rest of your day!" I said, walking out of the door; a farewell ringing out before it closed.

Walking down the road of the idyllic town I've called home for decades past, I continue to find the falling yellow, orange, and red leaves of the fall season to be as beautiful as ever. On my way, I see two children playing on the street. They seem to be jumping on squares drawn with chalk. When I get close enough, I recognize them as Mrs. Valery's kids.

"What are you kids playing? It seems fun! Can I join?" I ask jokingly.

"You'll just hurt your back again, old man." Said Kate sarcastically. Always was an energetic and feisty one.

"Kate, you're being rude. Mom said we should respect the elderly or else." said Chris, her younger brother. Quiet, introverted, and polite as ever.

Soon enough, they forgot about me and started arguing with each other. And yet, it was heartwarming to me. As the only doctor in this tiny town, I was there when they were born and whenever they were ill. It takes a village to raise a child, and our town was no different.

"Be sure to erase the chalk drawings on the street or Mr. Dave is going to yell at you again!" I said with a smirk. Kate groaned.

"Mom grounded us for a whole week the last time that happened. Mr. Dave is out of town today and the aunties are playing bingo in the community center, so we should be safe." She said.

Noticing the flowers in my hands, Chris asked about them. "Who are these flowers for Mr. Dawson?"

"They're for my son. It's his birthday today, as a matter of fact!" I said.

"You have a son? I thought you lived alone!" asked Kate.

"Oh, I do live alone. Every once in a while I go to see my son, and today's a special occasion after all. Now, don't let me distract you from your game. Take care and don't let Mom see you!" I responded with a laugh.

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The kids said their goodbyes and went straight back to their game. Not even ten steps later, I heard their arguing again.

"Dave might just come back to yell at these two again." I chuckled.

On my way, I took a left turn, and almost ran into someone. I just barely avoided falling down, then turned around to start yelling at whoever that person was.

"WATCH WHERE YOU'RE GOING YOU GODDAMNED RASCAL!" I bellowed, shaking my fist in the air. I recognized the young man running away as Thomas.

"I AM SORRY BUT I NEED TO GO!" yelled Thomas, running away like he left the water tap open at home. Kids these days.

"Life's not going anywhere, and these kids are moving too quickly to live it anymore." I grumbled, upset at how fast the world has been moving lately. I checked on the flowers in my hand, and thankfully they seem to be just fine. I sighed, and continued on my way.

Soon enough, the road takes me by the community center. As Kate said, the town's women were together playing bingo. At least the ones over 40. It did not take long for them to notice me.

"Dr. Dawson! It's been too long. How have you been? Would you like to join us? This game's looking to be particularly fierce!" said Mrs. Valery.

I laughed, then I answered her. "I would love to, but I've got a prior commitment. I am betting two drinks on old Betty to win as usual though!"

With a smirk, the eldest woman in the town spoke.

"Of course I am winning, make a bet someone would actually take you up on. And who are you calling old, you crusty old fossil?!"

Some laughter and a flying sandal later, Mrs. Valery had a question for me.

"Dr. Dawson, if you happen to see my kids tell them to get home soon. Dinner's going to be ready soon, and their dad hates letting food get cold after all the effort he put into it."

"Not to worry Mrs. Valery. I'll let them know if I see them. They'll be home sooner or later anyway. Take care!" I said, waving my hand and going on my way.

"As far as I am concerned, the old ladies and the flower shop clerk were the only people I encountered on my walk." I said to myself with a smirk, remembering my own childhood.

Eventually, I arrived at my destination. I opened the steel fence gate, and walked across the grass. The trees had shed their leaves in preparation for winter, and I don't envy the poor man who has to gather this mess up. With the sun setting, however, it made for a stunning view. I eventually stop before a block of marble, with an inscription on it.

"Happy Birthday, my son." I said.

"The past year was a good one. The Bradley's had two kids, young Hendrick was accepted at Harvard, and Betty got a job at some big tech firm. Can you believe that those two little twerps who kept you up at night screaming and playing on the street at midnight made it so far in life?!"

I spoke about all the recent happenings in the town.

"It was a fun year. If only you were here to see it with me." I said, my voice beginning to crack.

"If only I could hug you before you went to school once more," I said, tears running down my face, the words in my throat choking it before they are spoken.

"Don't worry, my son. My age is starting to catch up to me. It won't be long until I see you again. Goodbye, and see you soon."

I lay down the flowers on his grave, and then I turned to leave, drying my eyes on my sleeves.

Near the flowers, a headstone stood.

Peter Dawson

Devoted Friend, Son, and Husband

1983-2007