The steam-engine blew a shrill wistle, announcing its impending departure. Passengers and well-wishers alike said their hasty good-byes as shouts of "all aboard" echoed around the platform.

I've got to be going now, though I'd rather stay

You know it is hard to leave, but I must be on my way
But before I leave you, friend, there's something that I have to say

You mean the world to me and I'll never stop loving you
'Cause what you have given me I can never repay
And if we meet again somehow, I will love you then as now

Like many who had come before them, a man and woman performed the timeless ritual. He repeated words of endeerment and love, while she clung to him, sobbing. Beside them, a small boy clung to their legs.

'Cause you mean the world to me

And when life is getting me down, as sometimes it will do,
My heart will come back to these mountains
and I'll remember you
I'll remember the love that we shared
and the ways that we grew

The train whistled again, announcing its departure and slowly began to move out of the station. Breaking free of both the woman and boy, the man bent down to pick up his satchel. The man embraced them both shortly and jumped on to the train.

You mean the world to me and I'll never stop loving you
'Cause what you have given me I can never repay
And if we meet again somehow, I will love you then as now

'Cause you mean the world to me

Leaning out of the doorway, he waved to the two slowly shrinking figures. Only his sense of pride kept his tears at bay. He did not know how long he would be gone for this time, or if he would return at all.

Though I've got to go away, I won't leave you behind
Memories of times that we shared together
I'll carry in my mind
Some times were happy, some times were hard,
But I'm glad all those memories are mine

The man found himself a compartment and pulled the grey curtains across the windows that ould allow other passengers to peer in. Privacy ensured, he perched his satchel upon the seat across from him and opened it. He withdrew a file and began to examine its contents.

You mean the world to me and I'll never stop loving you
'Cause what you have given me I can never repay
And if we meet again somehow, I will love you then as now

'Cause you mean the world to me

Author's Note: The song used is titled "Song for You" by David LaMotte