The Stranger's journey has now come full circle.
Join me in the bright sunshine at When Words Go Free...

There are still stories to be told.
Read them at The Stranger Looks Back.

Epilogue

The bartender hesitated a few moments, the key still in his tightly-clenched fist. He looked around the place that had been his home for the past year, and wondered if it had all been a dream. He decided, like Alice, that it had been real enough to him, and that was all that mattered.

He then looked in the small mirror he held in his other hand, and he knew the face that looked back at him. He wondered where the stranger that had been there a year ago had gone to. It took him a minute to realize that the face was the same; he simply hadn't recognized it then.

The bartender kicked the jukebox one more time, looked at the key in his now open palm, and smiled as he handed it to the barmaid. As he walked through the door into the bright sunshine, he took off the mask and turned off the light that he no longer needed.
      

12 comments:

LFC_Loads said...

Thanks for everything mate.

Just and myself will make sure to look after the place for you.

Hope to see you there again sometime.

Cheers.

Just Me said...

As she took the key from his hands, she felt her heart breaking and heard herself wish that may Sunshine caress his path everyday, & on chance cold, frosty nights, may he find himself a cosy corner and savour a special brew she had stirred for him some time back.

The red light was out, the very light that had drawn her to the place, and now she stands at the door misty eyed, clueless.

Its time to kick the juke, while she clears the mess from last night's bash.

Well, the show must go on.....

Kate Mohler said...

So long!

Psycho Babbling Basher said...

I am not Irish, but I wish this for you Sensei:
“May the road rise up to meet you, may the wind be ever at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face and the rain fall softly on your fields. And until we meet again, May God hold you in the hollow of his hand.”
I heard goodbyes are necessary so we can meet again, and whether it's a moment or a lifetime, it is always certain for people who are friends.
Stay happy.

TheUnwashedMass said...

This reads too much like a suicide note for my liking.

dead-girl said...

bye :(

dead-girl said...

bye again

The Book of Drachma said...

Well, keep in touch somehow, my friend. If not for you, I really don't know how it all would have happened. You know, the book and all...
Now I've got a pretty good idea.

dirtycowgirl said...

Wishing you love, luck and happiness...and may all you curries be extra spicy ;)

Kelly said...

Cool. Another chapter has ended, which means another one is starting...

Anonymous said...

excellent article. But I need more written

Anonymous said...

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