Bye-bye, Basil

We were outcasts together. No one respected the boy twice the size of his peers or the one who would rather discuss physics than complain about the weather, but neither of us cared. We were best friends, trusting each other like brothers.

"Don't let the other boys make you feel bad," I told my companion. "They're jealous of your wit."

"Don't let them make you feel inferior either," he replied. "You're tops, and that's that!"

One day the bullies proved crueler than usual.

"Do you known what Padraic's last name is?" one asked the others. "It's Ratigan!"

Everyone else laughed.

"I bet he got that name because whenever anyone sees him walk by, they say, 'There goes that rat again!'"

Years of being insulted suddenly caused my hand to grab the offender by the back of the shirt and lift him off the ground. My other hand curled into a fist.

"Padraic!"

I looked up and blushed. I hadn't realized my best friend was watching my demonstration of temper.

"Let him go. He's not worth it," he began. "You know what the headmaster will do if he suspects you've started a fight. The scum you are holding is hardly worth the trouble. Don't let him cause you to ruin your life."

My fist slowly started to unclench.

"That's it, Padraic. Show you are more powerful by refusing to sink to his level. You're better than that. I know what he said, and it wasn't right, but he's building his own criminal record. You don't have to let him build yours as well."

I released the bully and turned to my friend. "Thank you for stopping me."

"You're welcome. I understand that sometimes the right thing to do is not the easiest or most natural course of action."

The tormenter faced my companion. "How do I ever thank you for getting him to release me?"

"Next time you are tempted to criticize Padraic, it would serve you well to recall that his claws are longer than the width of your body. As you can see, he is perfectly capable of handling his own problems. You may wish to choose your words with more sagacity."

That stunned them all into silence, and I never heard any cruel remarks from them after that day.

When I was a child, I never understood why adults always complained that youth disappeared quickly. It became more clear to me when my friend made the announcement.

"I have worked very hard to save up enough money to attend the university," he began.

I nodded. "I know you have. Ever since we finished school years ago, you've worked relentlessly to be able to afford to further your education."

"Padraic, I finally have enough! I leave next month!"

For a moment, I was too shocked to speak. Then I smiled. "Congratulations! I'm so happy for you! You'll do well; I'm sure of it!"

"I'm excited beyond words! Just think! I'll get to study mathematics, chemistry, and other fascinating subjects! The possibilities are endless!"

On the day of his departure, I walked with him to the train station and handed him a small parcel. "For the great mouse detective."

He opened it. "A trench coat and a deerstalker cap, just like what Holmes wears!" He slipped on the jacket and placed the cap upon his head. "How do I look?"

"Too giddy. Try thinking of something serious."

"How about now?"

"Much better!"

My best friend sighed. "I also have a gift for you, but now that I see your wonderful present for me, I fear mine is hardly good enough."

"It's the thought that counts, but you didn't have to get me anything!"

He held up his violin. "It seems like only yesterday that we were children, and now we must bid each other farewell. I can hardly believe it's happened so soon. I wrote a song in your honor since I know you love music."

As the violin played, he sang along:

Goodbye so soon

And isn't this a shame?

We know by now that time knows how to fly

So here's goodbye so soon

We'll go our separate ways

With time so short, I'll say so long

And go so soon

Goodbye

You stood by me; I stood by you

We were each other's companions for a while

Now as you see, our time is through

So although it hurts, I'll try to smile

As I say goodbye so soon

He finished his song. "What did you think?"

I thought the most beautiful symphonies in the world could never compare with the screeching and caterwauling of that violin, for the song my friend played had true meaning. "You've really outdone yourself!" I complimented.

"You like it?"

"Absolutely!"

"You'll love this next one!" After he played the next song, he explained, "We have to write this one together as friends. I composed the music. It's your job to think of the lyrics."

I did think of the lyrics years later, for I found the tune perfect for bragging about my crimes; however, at the time, I had no idea what life had in store for me.

The train arrived. I didn't know it at the time we took leave of each other, but I was saying goodbye in more ways than one. My last farewell was not only to my friend, but to our friendship itself, for the next time we met, it was to confront each other as enemies.

"Take care, Professor!" He addressed me by the title I had always wanted but never obtained.

"Good luck in your studies, Detective!" I answered. "Remember, you promised to take my case if I ever fall into the hands of criminals!"

"Rest assured of it!"

We shook on the deal for the final time.