A week had passed in the same manner. Arthur fell asleep on the sofa every night; exhausted, alone, drowning in his misery. The house was cold and lifeless; the floor was tidy and clear; there might as well be no one living there. Each day Arthur would get off the sofa at 10, shower and shave; he would pick up the post when he heard it clatter against the mat in the hall, flick through it, discard it, it was usually just junk or bills anyway; then collapse back on the sofa, watching crap day time TV until he fell asleep again. He never ventured upstairs; never wandered into the room they had once called their bedroom because he just didn't believe he had the right to anymore.
This carried on for two weeks, until the Tuesday morning three weeks and three days since Merlin had died – Arthur was keeping count.

Arthur heard the crash as mail hit the floor. It was louder than usual, more weight to it. Arthur frowned, he wasn't expecting any post… unless… don't get your hopes up, Arthur, you'll only be disappointed again he thought bitterly. Everyday he had waited, everyday he had hoped and wished the next letter was coming through the door; it was all he was living for. He walked slowly towards the door, excited and afraid. His heart was pounding. As he approached the door he could see one large A4 red envelope buried underneath the rest of his post. Could it be? In one smooth movement, he crouched down and picked up the pile of letters. Casting the others aside, he held the red one tightly. On the front in gold was 'Arthur' written in Merlin's neat handwriting, the way he always used to write it. There was no address, just his name, delicately inscribed with love and care.

Arthur held the envelope tightly in his hands, unable to believe it was actually happening. He sat on the sofa, unblinking, staring intently at the impossible envelope he was holding. This was it. Nine more links to Merlin, the final time Merlin would ever speak and guide him. He took three deep breaths, concentrating on them and the silence of the room for a moment, before turning the envelope over in his hands and breaking the wax seal – smiling as he recognised the Pendragon seal Merlin had used, always focusing on the small details. He reached gently inside the envelope, the muscles in his hands flexing to grip the bundle of paper he felt inside it. In one swift movement he pulled out the precious package and laid it gently on his lap.

Silent tears rolled down his cheeks as he picked up the top letter. The 9 smaller envelopes were all in dark blue envelopes, with their numbers delicately written in silver ink that glistened in the morning light.

It took a few moments before Arthur could bring himself to open the letter. The quicker he opened them, the sooner he would lose his Merlin forever. He made himself a promise there and then; he was going to do whatever Merlin told him to do from now on. Whatever Merlin wanted him to do, it must be important. Admittedly, the last letter's tasks hadn't exactly been rocket science, but Merlin wasn't stupid; Merlin was clever, Merlin must know what he is doing…. Surely? Well… there's only one way to find out. Arthur thought to himself sadly as he tentatively opened envelope number one.

Hey Arthur,

That first set of instructions was very, very simple, but that was kind of the point. I suppose you are probably wondering what the point actually was, so let me explain. Letter no.1 was to show you the world will always keep turning. That the basic things that were once regular occurrences are still regular occurrences to you and to everyone else. Just because the world stopped for me, just because our life together stopped, doesn't mean everyone and everything else stopped too. Small mundane tasks, such as shopping, are part of a routine that I know you love. With your little labels and fixation on all things familiar, I know you needed something to kick you back into doing the things you want to do and to force you into doing the things you hate, just to keep you going and to show you that the basic things in life will always be the same, no matter what twists and turns you encounter. I knew you would stay inside and shut yourself away from the world; you're a drama queen, don't deny it (and if you are trying to deny it, remember when the Camelot Knights lost that match when you were ill? You didn't speak for 3 days, Arthur! Don't tell me that isn't being dramatic!). I had to make you get the hell out of the house and into the world, back to your ridiculous running routine that – for any normal human being – is one of those things you start in new year as a new years resolution and give up after the first day. I knew you'd find it hard, that every little thing would bring back some memory or other, and really, who wouldn't find it hard? I tried to make you meet up with Morgana or some of the guys, but I can just tell that it didn't work, that you've shut yourself away and decided you will be alone forever. That's not true. But I'll get back to that later.

Now, I guess it is time for me to get back to the actual point in this letter. But, my love, you have to have this back story before you start on this mad journey (you'll understand soon enough) and you might need a cup of tea to help you digest it all. Got that sorted? Good good :) because you're gonna need it babe!

When I was twelve, my parents decided to take me out of school and travel round the world. We travelled for six months and we went everywhere! We crossed three continents and met loads of fascinating, wonderful people who changed our lives forever. I was going to make this a surprise for your birthday when I had saved up enough money for both of us to go, but I suppose I wasn't quick enough. Yet your tasks and instructions for the next couple of months (or years, depending on how much you enjoy yourself or lose yourself in the mad world that is out there for you to explore) is to travel the world. To re-meet the people I met, to make sure they are okay for me; to go on an adventure; and find out who you really are – because Uther never gave you the chance, and I could always sense your desire to be free.

Here is the list of specific instructions. As the letters go on, the tasks will get more and more ridiculous. We did some very strange things on our travels; with my dad's love for the out doors and my mum's insane ability to befriend anyone we meet, you wouldn't believe what we got up to! But you're gonna do it anyway ;) because you love me too much not too ;) (I am kidding, Arthur. If you don't want to go on this mad quest and you just want to start your life again, I really don't mind… give the letters to Gwaine or someone. I'd just love you to do it for me. One last wish? Can you grant me that?). Anyway, back to the list, eh?

1. Head back to Camelot. Go back to see my mother. She still lives in my childhood home, and my bedroom is still there for me if I ever wanted to come back to it. I'll never need to use it now, but I asked mum if she'd keep it for you, keep it till you went there. What she doesn't know, however, is what is hidden in my sock drawer ;) In my sock drawer there is a credit card. In that bank account are all my savings. I kept the card there because it is a) the safest place on earth and b) I could then never be tempted to use the money for other reasons.

2. Go to Will. He lives across the road from mum. He was my best friend as a kid. He's going to think this is really strange but ask him this "What time did you and Merlin always go down to the river?" he will give you a time (hopefully in 24 hour clock otherwise you have to change it yourself). This number is the PIN number for the card. I would write it down, but if this letter gets intercepted I don't want that money lost! I suppose I should really explain what we did at the river… it's not as suggestive as it sounds! Trust me, Arthur! Me and Will!? That was never going to happen! We would star-gaze. We both had dreams, BIG dreams. But Camelot was a small village in Western Wales, neither of us held much hope in achieving these dreams. And we both believed in wishing upon a star. By the river at that time you could see every star; you could see the vastness of the sky and (if you were lucky) you could see the magical mystery of a shooting star! And every time we saw one, we would both make a wish. My shooting star brought me to you. I can never thank it enough

3. Go back to my mother. On the second shelf of the bookcase in the living room, there is a book about our travels; my fathers diary. I DON'T WANT YOU TO READ IT. I want you to take it off the shelf (she can't reach it now she is in a wheelchair), give it to her and tell her you are off on an adventure. Tell her you're following strict instructions set by her barmy son that are going to lead you round the world.

4. Off you go! The first big step in this adventure is to head to the airport and buy a ticket to Sydney. Yep, baby, you're off to Australia! My parents had always dreamed of going to Australia, and wanted to go there before they ran out of money! So we went there first and hey presto, our journey had begun! And so will yours :)

There are a few rules though – this would be no fun otherwise ;)

i) You are to tell Morgana you are going and only Morgana! None of the lads, Morgana can tell them if they ask.

ii) There will be no further contact with anyone. The only way to detach yourself from the world we used to know together, is to leave it behind completely. And I can see what you're thinking in your very Arthur-like way 'How can I detach myself if Merlin is leading me on some crazy adventure?' Well mister, think about it this way. How often have I lead you on mad quests (a side from the one where we went to all the coffee shops in Paris to find the best coffee and then didn't sleep for days)? This isn't the life you knew, this is a whole new way of life

iii) You are allowed one bag – that backpack we bought when we were going skiing; you know, the one where you can attach the sleeping blanket? And don't forget the blanket; you're going to need it! ;)

Now my love, the journey of a lifetime has truly begun. Off you go! Good luck!

M x

"Wow" Arthur said aloud to no one in particular, "I know you had some mad ideas, Merlin, but this one surely has to top them all!" He ran a hand through his hair, his brain working on overload. He, Arthur Pendragon, was somehow supposed to drop everything and go gallivanting round the world. Utter madness! There was no way he could get away with it. Uther hated him enough as it was just for marrying Merlin at all, and to leave his job without warning would send Uther off the rails completely! But there was a little voice in Arthur's head Go on Arthur, you can do it! Uther doesn't control you. It's what Merlin would have wanted after all…

Arthur spent the whole day thinking it through. A run round the local park cleared his head and gave him a chance to think in peace. Peace and tranquillity were hard to come by when you had a nosey half sister who called every hour to check up on you (and even harder when you ignored the phone calls causing her to ring again), but the park was always quiet and was a place where no one bothered him because he was just some guy on a run. No one even cared if he spoke to animals either, which had become quite a habit of his in the last week – animals always gave him something to talk to without being judged or pitied. Merlin had given him such an opportunity, a once in a life time chance.
There was so much to consider. His main worry was his father; if Uther Pendragon was angry at Arthur there was no way of knowing what he would do and what consequences it would have on Arthur's life. His job kept him afloat; his job in the family business, the family business run by Uther. Oh God ran round Arthur's head more times than he ran round the park. Giving up on everything he knew certainly was one way of moving on from the life he had known with Merlin.
It took 15 hours of solid thinking (this was quite a strain on Arthur who usually got home after an eight hour day and just give up on thinking completely) before Arthur finally reached a decision.
"Morgana?"
"Arthur!" Morgana was taken by complete surprise to actually receive a phone call from her brother after the number of times she had called him and he had ignored her "How are you doing… shit! I'm sorry, Arthur! Natural question to ask… I never meant to…
"Morgana! It's okay. I was just ringing to tell you… fuck, I don't know how to tell you this… er okay. Just go with this okay, and no interrupting! Promise?"
"Go on, Arthur…" Morgana replied sceptically, Arthur was never unsure of anything so this was going to be interesting, she just knew it. "But make it quick, I have a meeting to attend to"
"Right… thanks Morgana. Basically, I have received a selection of envelopes, letters, whatever, from Merlin."
"Arthur… Merlin's…" She whispered down the line, "Sweetheart, Merlin's dead"
Arthur's voice caught in his throat as she said it, the words like daggers stabbing him repeatedly "I know…" he replied, his voice cracking as he tried his best to hold himself together, "Just… let me finish. I have received a group of letters from Merlin. He wrote them when he was in hospital. And he has a sort of task for me to complete. He has asked me to… travel the world for him, following a route he took when he was twelve and his barmy parents decided to take him out of school. And I'm going to do it"
"Arthur…" her tone had changed dramatically, she was challenging him now. Morgana Pendragon was the most practical woman Arthur knew and this 'adventure' Arthur was planning had her alarm bells ringing, "Are you telling me you are just going to drop everything and follow a series of letters from Merlin and travel round the world"
"Yes. I'm leaving tomorrow"
"TOMORROW!? For fucks sake, Arthur! You can't just go! You have commitments! You have friends! You have people who care about you here! Why the fuck do you feel the need to do this!?"
"Because Merlin wanted it" he replied simply, "Merlin would have done the same for me if we had been the other way round"
"Arthur…" she had that warning tone on again, but it didn't faze Arthur.
"I'm only telling you because that was one of the rules Merlin set. I was to tell you and only you. I was not to tell anyone else in order to give me time to break away from this life fully for a while. If anybody asks where I have gone can you tell them for me? Just tell them I'm travelling"
"Does that include Uther?" he could hear the resentment in her voice. She hated Uther, hated him for rejecting Arthur because of his sexuality and hated him for dumping her mother in the gutter. They hadn't spoken properly in 4 years. "You expect me to…"
"I don't expect you to tell him unless he asks. If he doesn't ask, you say nothing. He already believes I've gone off the rails anyway, hopefully he'll just assume he was correct"
"You could just extend your leave, Arthur" she spat "Then I wouldn't have to speak to that bastard at all"
"I can't Morgana. It's in the rules. I am not defying the rules"
"That'll be a first" she added under her breath
"Goodbye Morgana. I'm leaving for Wales at six tomorrow morning"
"Arthur…"
He hung up before she could add anything more.

6am the next morning and Arthur was up and ready to go. His old camping bag was slung over his shoulder; dressed in a pair of faded jeans and an old Spiderman t-shirt (it had been Merlin's favourite) he had never felt more excited and ready for the adventure. Glancing round the house one last time, his heart wrenched. This was it. His first journey without his right-hand man, without the other side of his coin, without his Merlin. One last check of his bag; letters, check; blanket, check; clothes, check; what else could a man need? This is it Arthur thought to himself time to face the world again.

The train ride to Cardiff was long and boring. On any normal train ride, Arthur would be cracking jokes, putting Merlin off his book, listening to ridiculous 80's music or watching kids TV shows on his iPod and sharing his headphones with Merlin. But normality had flipped, this was normality now. The loneliness wasn't new, but it was had never felt this real, this permanent hours had never felt so long in his life. The country side flashed past him in a blur. A few weeks ago, he would have taken an interest in what they were passing Merlin would have taken an interest was all he could think to himself. The only time he smiled was when he remembered the flight to Paris, where Merlin and he had made up a story (which had started off like a fairytale and ended up more like a horror/sci-fi mash up) and laughed pretty much all the way there. He had none of that this time, he didn't even have the desire to think properly, let alone let his imagination run wild.

He could barely recall the rest of the journey, but an hour later he found himself standing in a small welsh village. He pulled his tatty, leather address book out of his jacket pocket and found Merlin's old address scrawled on a random page in Merlin's handwriting. A smile tugged at his lips as he looked at the message that would be there forever 'don't forget me, prat. Wales isn't that far away' And Arthur could actually see what he meant now, the journey hadn't taken as long as he had expected.
It didn't take him long to find Merlin's road. The whole village seemed to be made up of only five cobbled streets. He stood outside the cottage for a moment, taking in the place Merlin had once called home. The thatched cottage was small but seemed to have plenty of character; its tiny windows had frilly, white lace curtains covering them and there were a lot of flowers out the front. The one thing that struck Arthur was what Merlin had said about his mother being in a wheelchair, the cottage (as lovely and picturesque as it was) was far from suitable for a wheelchair. If there is anything I can do to help her, I will he promised himself; hating the thought of Merlin's mother struggling.

After checking his watch (ten o'clock isn't that early is it?), Arthur strode purposefully up to the door and gave it a resounding knock.
A muffled call came from somewhere towards the back of the cottage "I'm coming, dear! Give me a second!" Arthur waited barely ten seconds before the cheerful red door swung open. "Arthur" the woman in front of him nodded at him, "Come on in love. Merlin told me you might be coming" he could see the sadness in her eyes before she turned a shuffled off down the hall but thought better than to say something; he was English, stiff upper lip is what he did. He followed slowly, suddenly nervous and unsure. He felt like he was intruding, as if he didn't deserve to be there, that he shouldn't be there at all. "Don't be shy, love. Come on through" she can read minds. That's where Merlin got it from then, the ability to read me like a book
"Mrs Emrys…"
"Hunith, please"
Arthur smiled before continuing "Hunith, I'm sorry for coming uninvited it's just…"
"I know" she smiled sadly at him "I can hardly say you were uninvited when it was my loony son who sent you to me"
"How did you…"
"He mentioned it the week after he was admitted to hospital when he rang me. He didn't tell me much though; I just assumed it was important"
"Yeah…" Arthur replied absent-mindedly, thinking about the Welsh lilt in Hunith's voice and how much stronger it was than Merlin's "He has this plan… he's sending me travelling round the world on the same route you did when he was twelve…"
"Oh…" he barely heard the soft gasp but out of the corner of his eye he saw Hunith's hands fly to her mouth, "You're… Merlin always..."
"He always wanted to go again" he replied quietly "But he never got the chance"
"Oh, love" Hunith took his hand in hers, "He loved you very much. He never stopped talking about you even in your early days" her smile wasn't quite sad, of course there was sadness but there was a great sense of pride radiating from her, pride and love "Thank you" she added after a moment, "Thank you for looking after Merlin for me, and thank you for being the best husband he could hope for"
The words were soothing and it took Arthur a few minutes before he could reply, "I want to say the same thing, Hunith. Thank you for the amazing person who is your son. He was the best thing that ever happened to me, the light in my darkness. I would have been lost without him"
"And he the same with you. You believed in him, you loved him, you completed him and that sort of love is worth its weight in gold"
"I was the luckiest man in the world for him to even notice me, let alone love me the way he did"
Hunith smiled at him, and all he could see in her was Merlin. She had the same soft features, the same warmth, the same big heart and that's when he broke. For the past two days he had held himself together, remembered the good times, felt at peace; but being in Merlin's childhood home, he couldn't cope. Hunith's arms encompassed his waist, "Don't cry, love. Shh, it's okay"
Arthur pulled away, wiping his eyes with the back of his hand, trying his best to compose himself again, he hated people seeing him cry. "I'm sorry, Hunith. Can I… can I see Merlin's old room?"
Hunith frowned, but nodded "Up the stairs, 2nd door on the right. I'm sorry if it's a bit dusty, I haven't been up there in a while and I told my cleaner not to go in there but it's…"
"Hunith" Arthur interrupted "It's fine, honestly. I'll be in and out of there in a jiffy, there's just one thing Merlin asked me to take. Is that okay?"
"If Merlin's okay with it, I'm okay with it"

He gave her a weak thumbs up before turning from the kitchen and heading for the stairs. The whole house was cosy, full of nooks and crannies that were full of all sorts of bits and pieces. Photos covered the walls; photos of Merlin as a child, photos of Hunith and Merlin's father on holiday, photos of the whole family all looking happy and content. Books were shoved into every available space, old ones with crinkled spines that had been well loved, new encyclopaedia's were mixed in with old volumes; it made Arthur chuckle, the whole family seemed to love reading. After climbing the narrow stairs, Arthur stopped looking so hard. To Arthur, upstairs in anyone's house was their private space that shouldn't be intruded or examined.

He could tell which room was Merlin's from a distance. The door may have been closed but it was covered in pictures, and on closer inspection Arthur discovered they were pictures of Dragons and other mythical beings. Gently pushing the door open, Arthur was overwhelmed with just how Merlin it was. Despite the fact it had been cleaned at some point since Merlin had left, there was a small layer of dust that had settled on Merlin's things. The walls were a soft blue, covered in yet more pictures and paintings of mythical creatures. It wasn't a large room, far from it, but he could tell it how much it would have suited Merlin. A red beanbag sat in the corner, a pile of books stacked next to it; and behind them was a small oak chest of draws. His heart was pounding in his chest. If the card was there, then the mad adventure was really truly happening, it wasn't just a farce. He meandered his way round the books scattered on the floor and made his way over to the small drawers. Merlin isn't very organised, but his mum might have been. Socks, socks, top drawer for me… Merlin's were in "The bottom drawer!" he cried out into the empty space before easing it open. It creaked a bit and was very stiff; it hadn't been opened in a while. Trying his best not to disturb too many of Merlin's things, Arthur rooted around until his hand stumbled across a paper envelope. With surprising delicacy, he pulled it out in one smooth movement. Merlin had been truthful it seemed; there was indeed a bank card in there. Arthur grinned, the adventure was actually happening, and it began with a visit to Will.
He jogged back downstairs to find Hunith sitting in the kitchen, looking out across her garden.
"Get what you needed?" she asked quietly, lost in thought
"Yes thank you, Hunith" he replied, ever the gentleman, "Merlin has told me I need to visit Will, he said he lives opposite here, is that still the case?"
"It is, dear. Will has been of great help in the last few weeks"
Arthur nodded slowly, "He and Merlin were close then?"
"Oh very. Will was always more headstrong though, Merlin used to just follow his lead, but I think he liked it that way, they certainly made a good team. Will was always Merlin's rock, till he met you" she smiled sadly, "I was always afraid that I'd lost both of them when Merlin left to move in with you, that Will would stop visiting, but he never did, bless him"
"I'm sorry, Hunith… I never meant to take Merlin away…"
"Nonsense, Arthur!" a sudden amount of strength in her voice, "Merlin loved you, you loved him back and he was happy. Could I have asked for anything more? You didn't take him away, you gave him a chance. With you he had the opportunity to become the man I knew he could be and for that, I will forever be in your debt"
"I… I don't know what to say…"
"You don't need to say anything. Now, whatever my son wants doing, off you go and do it!"
"Thanks, Hunith. I should be back with in the hour" a kiss on the cheek for her and he was out the door and crossing the road.

Will's cottage looked much the same as Merlin's. The same quaint little features; tiny windows, creamy coloured bricks, the same thatched roof, but the door was indigo rather than the cheerful red. Arthur pressed on the doorbell, more nervous of talking to Will than he had been of talking to Hunith. He heard some mutterings coming from the house but didn't have time to dwell on it as the door swung open.
"Yeah?" a young male voice asked
"I'm Arthur Pendragon, Merlin's husband… can I come in for a minute?"
The man in the doorway hesitated a moment before turning aside and allowing Arthur through. On the inside the cottage was very similar too; still quite narrow with the living room off to the right, the dining room to the left and a big airy kitchen at the end. Yet Arthur felt it lacked the same warmth and welcome Merlin's had.
"Will" the guy said briefly holding out his hand. Arthur obliged and took it, trying to smile but failing miserably.
"Look…" Arthur started, feeling awkward "I don't mean to intrude it's just… before Merlin… died" the word made both of them flinch "He wrote a set of letters for me, detailing a load of tasks I have to complete" Will didn't say anything; he just looked through the open door. Arthur wasn't sure if he was listening but he carried on anyway, "And in order to complete them I need a number… What time did you and Merlin always go down to the river?" It seemed easier to just blurt it out rather than explain himself, words had never been Arthur's strong point.
Will looked at him incredulously, "How on earth do you know about… Merlin said he'd never tell a soul… not over his dead…" Will stopped abruptly, realising instantly what he was saying, "Oh shit, shit mate, I'm sorry… I didn't mean"
"Just answer the damn question, Will" Arthur growled, sudden anger pulsing through his veins.
"Ten forty-five" 2245 Arthur didn't need to write the number down; words might not have been his thing, but numbers were (Merlin had often teased him that he knew pi to 40 decimal places).
"Thanks, Will" he turned to leave but was stopped when he felt Will grab his wrist
"I am sorry, Arthur. I still can't believe… I hadn't seen him in so long…"
"I know, Will. I don't believe it either" the anger that had been storming through his veins died down rapidly, "I don't want to believe it either" and for the first time he looked Will in the eye, it was there he saw the desperate sorrow and the terrible sadness Will felt and his heart went out to him "Thanks, Will. You were the best friend Merlin ever had, thanks for looking after him"
"You too, Arthur. Thanks for loving him, thanks for saving him"
"Saving…"
"He wasn't happy here, Arthur. That's why he went to find work in London. He never told Hunith, but he wasn't, he had to get out of here; you gave him that"
Arthur gave a small nod before turning away and walking out of the door.

Right, Arthur thought to himself only one thing on this letter left to do and that's to get the diary down for Hunith. Then I'm off! Off to Oz as it were!
He hurried back over to Merlin's I really should stop calling it Merlin's place, it's Hunith's really, has been for a while and knocked on the door again. He had a slightly longer wait this time as he listened to Hunith knock something over on her way to the door.
"Back so soon, Arthur?" she asked when she eased the door open
"I didn't have much to say really… I didn't really know him; he didn't really know me… I only had one questions"
"It's quite alright, dear, you don't have to explain yourself to me. I was just a bit surprised that's all. I suppose you'll be off then…" she trailed off, trying her best not to show him her disappointment
"I've got one more thing to do…" he added slowly, grinning at her, "Something Merlin wanted me to do for you. Can I come in for a moment?"
"Oh my! Why of course, would you like a cuppa? I just put the kettle on"
"That would be lovely thank you"
He followed her back through to the kitchen and she handed him a faded mug of tea.
"So… Merlin wanted you to do something for you" Arthur chuckled, she reminded him so much of Merlin; either impatient or always straight to the point.
"Do you have a bookshelf in your living room?"
"Why… yes I do" she looked puzzled, "But what has that got to do with…" but she trailed off as Arthur slipped out the room. She started to follow him but he was back before she had the chance to really move anywhere.
"Merlin wanted me to get this down for you" he handed her the battered leather book and gave her a shy smile.
She gasped before taking the book slowly from his outstretched hands "Merlin still remembered…"
"He never forgot anything, Hunith"
She gave quiet laugh and ran her hands across the well worn cover, "Were you supposed to…"
"I'm meant to give the book to you and then leave, I'm afraid. Merlin didn't want to spoil the surprises he's left in store for me, but he wanted you read it again"
"I haven't read it in so long" the welsh lilt in her voice had thickened, much like Merlin's had when he began reminiscing
"I know" he added softly
"I never thought…"
"I know"
"Thank you, Arthur"
"Any time, Hunith. Anything you need, I'll help. Even if I can't be here in person I will help you no matter what. If you need money, an extra pair of hands, someone to talk to, you call me okay?"
She nodded gently, a small smile playing at her lips. He bent down and kissed her gently on the cheek. "I'll see you soon, Hunith. And I'll send you some postcards on the way?"
"Oh, you'd do that?"
"Of course. Thank you"
"You too, Arthur. You too"

He stood in the road for a while, leaning against the cottage wall. The airport, Sydney, freedom.
And that's just where he headed. Within six hours he was on the plane and on his way to start his biggest ever adventure ever.