"Well, it feels almost like the end of an era," Dan said wistfully.
Schemee, Dan, Becky and Kara were at the station. Schemer and Stacy had left for their honeymoon a few days ago and there were just a few short weeks until they went their separate ways.
Schemee, Becky and Kara were all leaving town to go to school, all to different locations. Kara was only going to be an hour or so away by train, studying music. Schemee was going to a school about four hours away by car on a baseball scholarship and studying business. And Becky was going to study history abroad. Dan wasn't quite sure what he wanted to do, and instead chose to stay in town and work until he found his path.
They were excited, but they all still felt the bittersweet pangs of their adolescence ending.
"We'll always come back though," Schemee promised.
"This is home! I can't imagine leaving Shining Time for good," Becky agreed.
"Besides, Schemee and I will be home for fall break," Kara said, "And then all three of us will be home for Christmas."
"Yeah I know, I'll just miss you guys," Dan admitted.
"We'll miss you too. But hey! We'll keep in touch, and you can also always come visit us!" Schemee exclaimed, "Besides, someone has got to keep an eye on everyone here! You'll make sure Aunt Stacy and Uncle Schemer stay out of trouble, won't you?"
Dan smiled. "You know I will, also we're cousins now so that means you're stuck with me forever."
Schemee smirked. "I suppose it's my burden to bear," he said melodramatically as Dan smacked him lightly.
"They're going to miss you Schemee, I'm sure it'll be an adjustment. Especially for your uncle," Kara said casually.
Schemee knew this to be true, but had to resist the urge to tell them the news. "They'll be okay," he said carefully, "Besides he has to come to my baseball games or I'll never forgive him."
Kara rolled her eyes but smiled.
Billy came out into the atrium. "Almost closing time guys, does anyone need a ride?"
They politely declined and wished him a good night.
As the kids left the station Billy looked around. It felt bigger, emptier, with them gone. He had overheard their conversation and felt the weight of what it meant. But nonetheless, the trains would keep coming and the station would remain as a place for them to return to as long as they needed it.
Still, the future felt bright, and with Schemer and Stacy around he knew that the three of them could handle whatever life threw at them.