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49
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After one more revision of the film, it was noted that everything was in perfect function and the film would, after processing, soon be ready for release. Which meant that the next day, Howard would be on a plane, off to Kansas and out of Ed's life.
That night, the night before Howard would leave, Ed lay uncomfortable in his bed, unable to get to sleep. He tossed and turned on his side, wondering what was to become of the future. He felt extremely unfulfilled. As though there was something that could be done, but he was not doing it.
Then a thought came into his head: he would pay Howard one last visit before he was out and about. One last chance to say goodbye.
Ed reflected back, and remembered in a recent conversation that his plane to Kansas was leaving at nine a.m. sharp. That meant Ed should go see him perhaps around seven.
He rolled over in his mess of coverings and blankets that he had skewn about and reached out his hand to the alarm clock on the side table. He set it for six, then replaced it.
Then he fell asleep at last, feeling finally the fulfillment, which had before been missing but now was restored.
He would see Howard again.