The Dark of Night award
The POstables received their Dark of Night award, the highest honor given to a U.S. postal worker. If for Oliver, this is much more than just an award, it is time to look back for memories and time to face his true feelings for the future. This short fanfiction is a based on the ending of "Dark of night ". The characters belong to the talented Martha Williamson.
"That's excellent, Oliver. Well thought out and very well written. I liked this line very much: "The seeds of duty know neither the flower nor its day of blossoming," said the high school English literature teacher as he handed him his classwork.
"Thank you very much, Professor Howard. Yes, I like to write. I wrote this line about the delivery of the mail," Oliver said.
"Well, it looks like the post office has no secrets from you anymore. Next time, let's try with a playwriting. Have a good day," said the professor of English literature.
Oliver went into his house, when he entered, there was no one there.
He put down his satchel and then found a note hanging on the refrigerator.
Ollie,
I have to deliver a very important package and I'm going to be a little later than usual. Your dinner is in the fridge, you'll just have to reheat it. I'll be here to deliver your cake and gift. On your desk, you'll find a birthday package that you received; it's a legacy from your grandfather, who would have wanted you to have it for your 14th birthday.
Happy birthday, my big boy.
Dad.
Oliver smiled, picked up the note and ran upstairs to his room. He found a package and a letter, still in good condition. He took a deep breath and opened the envelope with his name on it. His hands trembled slightly as he opened the letter. He had never known his grandfather's handwriting. The writing was fine, small but very neat. He had immediately recognized the ink of the pen, which had now become his pen. He began to read the letter.
Dear Oliver,
One of my last wishes is to offer you my Dark of Night Award for your 14th birthday. The Dark of Night Award is the highest honor given to a US Postal Worker. It's just a simple cup, but as I look at it, I see the smiles on the faces of all those people who were able to find what they lost. I know you'll understand what it means someday. Make good use of it, my dear grandson.
Happy Birthday.
All the best wishes.
With all my heart.
Your grandfather.
Stanley Chester O'Toole.
"Grandpa..." Oliver mumbled.
He opened the package and uncovered this cup.
An ordinary cup with a heraldry, a Latin sentence, and wrote in big letters:
Dark of Night Award
Presented to
Stanley Chester O'Toole,
1912.
He looked at the cup for a long time with the look of a child.
Then, now, he looks with the look of an adult. Oliver put his cup next to his grandfather's. Suddenly the doors of the DLO opened.
"Oliver... I was looking for you to say goodbye," Rebecca said.
"Oh, Miss Starkwell... Excuse me, I was gone a few years back, the day I received my grandfather's dark of night award. Now I have one with my name on it. And I understand what really means. This is no just letters. Behinds every words, every sentences, there is many humans life. We have to work very hard to delivery every letters". Oliver says.
"These are words of wisdom. You, Norman, Rita and Shane deserve this award for everything you do. I was thrilled to have spent three weeks in the Denver Post Office and especially with the DLO. Your service is great," said Becky.
"Yes, and your help has been invaluable to us. And what a miracle, that Miss McInerney is a friend of yours, Miss Starkwell," Oliver added.
"And what a miracle I had to transfer her here to Denver. I feel that Shane feels very much at home here and that it has had some effect on the DLO," Becky remarked.
"Yes, it has. To be honest, the arrival of Miss McInerney has been very remarkable. Her computer skills have been very helpful and she has allowed us to see more that mail delivery, the hope of helping people who need help. " Oliver said.
"It's perfect... Oliver... I have a favor to ask of you... You know, Shane is like a little sister to me and she lives here alone. So I wanted to ask you...
"I knew it... You have nothing to worry about, Miss Starkwell. We're a family here and we look after each other. Just like Norman and Rita, Miss McInerney has a big place in my heart," replied the postal detective.
" Oliver, I have a question. Are you really interested in Shane?" Becky asked.
He thought for a moment and then the doors opened again.
"So, are you here? Everyone at the post office has signed a thank you and goodbye card to Rebecca and all that's missing is your signature, Oliver," said Shane as she entered the office with Rita and Norman.
"It's official, we're the POstables!" Norman exclaimed.
"A secret branch of the postal detectives with great powers," added Rita.
Oliver signed the card and gave it to Rita whom put it in an envelope and gave it to Norman.
"Here you go, Rebecca, it's signed, sealed and delivered," Norman said, handing her an envelope.
"Thank you so much, Norman. Well, now I just have to wish you all, the best for the future. And I think I'll be a postal supervisor in Washington DC for a long time . So, if the POstables come through here, come visit me," said Becky.
She greeted everyone. After Becky left, Oliver wrote something down on a piece of paper and put it in an envelope.
"We're going to miss Rebecca so much," said Rita.
"I'll be right back," said Oliver.
He quickly crossed the post office and walked out. Rebecca was about to get into her taxi.
" Miss Starkwell... ...this is the answer to your question. A question or a letter must never go unanswered. I wish you a good trip," said Oliver, handing her an envelope.
"Thank you very much, Oliver. Goodbye," said Becky, smiling.
She got into the taxi and after a few seconds took the envelope out of her bag to read it.
Dear Miss Starkwell.
Miss McInerney is a person I admire and have my deepest respect and trust.
I still believe in perfect, true and deep love. Fate is always manages to knock on your door when you least expect it. And I truly believe in fate.
Thank you very much.
With my best memories.
Very sincerely.
Oliver O'Toole.
P.S.: Tell the truth and it will set you free.
Becky's face showed a broad smile. Finally, she had done well to transfer Shane to Denver.
Oliver returned to the office with a smile on his face...
"Have you gone to think, Oliver?" Rita asked.
"I went to think about some things... I think we have time to dinner at the Mailbox Grill," Oliver replied, looking at his pocket watch.
" Great! The first POstables dinner. I'll have a glass of Arnold Palmer with my new cup," said Norman.
"There's a time for everything, Norman." Oliver said with a smile.
The end.