Location: Atlanta Amtrak Station

Time: September 4, 2006 at 8:10 A.M. E.S.T.

Gathered on the station platform on a slightly foggy morning in Atlanta were three particularly excited people waiting on the Crescent train from Washington D.C. The two adult coyotes being James and Janice Crisp, eager parents awaiting the arrival of their sons, one Nate that had been gone just the whole summer and the other Jake having been gone for what seemed like ages. They had been contacted not too long ago by Jake informing them that their train had just crossed the long bridge over the gorge near Toccoa. The train was schedule to arrive at 8:13 but all indications were that it was going to be a couple of minutes early. Also waiting with James and Janice was Sarah Swift, a young 11 year old coyote who had been friends with Nate since second grade. Both families being real close, Sarah's parents didn't mind if she went with Nate's parents to the station. The drive to the station from Mableton was surprisingly smooth. Then again it was Labor Day and most of the holiday travelers had made there way out of the city a long time ago. Before long the sound of the train was nearing and they could see it in the distance.

Janice: James, look…It's here…Our boys are finally home. I can't wait to hear about little Nate's summer at camp.

James: Yes and I also can't wait to hear what has been happening with ole Jakey. I hope his appearance hasn't changed to drastically in these past two years.

Janice: You don't need to worry about that dear. Remember the photo he sent us last Christmas. You saw he let that hair of his grow out into a ponytail. If it wasn't for the fact that I'll be too busy hugging him and listening to what he's been up to, I'd cut that thing off the instant he arrived.

James: Now Janice dear, he's all grown now. What he does with his hair should be none of our concern now.

Janice: He may be all grown but he's still my baby.

Sarah: It's pulling up now (she said pointing as the massive locomotive made its way alongside the platform) All the letters he sent me described a good bit of what he did at camp but it will be great to hear it from him.

Janice: Very true dear. They'll probably both be talking nonstop well into the night and you know I wouldn't have it any other way.

Once the train had completely come to a stop, the passengers began to unload from the coaches. Having been in the handicap accessible room in the first sleeper car, Jake and Nate were one of the first to get off and were instantly descended on by the three-person welcoming committee their to greet them. Now news about the capture of Julius Creswell had already broken all over the country, including in Atlanta so they were aware of what went on in New Mexico but the FBI team that Crystal brought to that warehouse were the ones credited with the bust. Maybe in time Jake and Nate would reveal the full details about their involvement but they felt that now was not the time to do it. What was known to the family was what Jake told them, that his girlfriend, the daughter of Julius Creswell had been the one that brought on the downfall of her father and his criminal empire. Jake felt that if they knew all he went through to meet this end, they would probably never forgive her. He was still having a hard time completely forgiving her; especially since little Nate also became involved in all this. Still he was beginning to see how none of it was supposed the happen the way it did. Of course in this life, nothing ever happens as planned. Nate's paralysis being a case-in-point, yet out of that tragedy came a strong and courageous young boy that no one could help but be proud of. So maybe out of all the recent events, something great will come concerning his relationship with Crystal.

Janice: Welcome home boys. It's so good to see you and Jake, oh Jake it's been so long since I've seen your face.

Jake: Yes mom I know. I have been away much too long. I apologize. It took awhile but little Nate finally got it through my hard head that I didn't need to keep hiding away from those I love just because of that darn accident. I had let myself believe that if I stayed to near, you'd be reminded everyday of how it was my fault that Nate can't walk.

James: Son…what happened was an accident that could have happened to anybody. Yes the effects of the accident were devastating but it doesn't mean that our love for you was shattered that night as well.

Jake: I know that now…deep down I always did. It's…dang it's just so good to see you again.

Janice: Yes…son…same here.

Nate: I've really missed y'all as well. I can't wait to show you the scrapbook from camp.

Jake: You should definitely show them the video you sent me for my birthday. It was hilarious.

Sarah: Oh…I would love to see that as well. Is that the one with them water-skiing?

Nate: Yup…a lot of them really caught on well for the most part. I assume you still water-ski a lot.

Sarah: Of course. Someone has to carry on in your absence from the sport.

Nate: Yea…I may have told you this many times before but thanks for getting me into water-skiing.

Sarah: You were a quick learning back then as I recall. You were 8 when you started as I recall.

Nate: Oh yea…I remember I had to take it up because I didn't want you, being a girl, to be better at something than I was. I guess that's why I took to it so fast because of that silly drive to be better at it than you. Seems so ridiculous now that I look back on it, I just wish I was able to do it with you now.

Sarah: I know I'd like that too. Hey I meant to tell you that I won a trophy for my age group in a recent competition.

Nate: That's awesome. You'll have to show me once we get back to Mableton.

Sarah: I sure will. Have to remember to get a photo of you and me with the trophy.

Nate: I'd like that a lot.

Jake: I have some news for you Nate that you will also like. I have decided to take the summer off and leave the office to Crystal so that I can be Camp Kidney's Sports and Activities Director.

Nate: You mean it bro. That would be so cool. I would love to have you there. You can see for yourself just how much fun I have there.

Sarah: That reminds me of some more news to share. I have convinced my parents to let me become a Squirrel Scout and spend the summer at Acorn Flats.

Nate: That's great. I know you'll love it there.

James: Well I'm glad to see your journey here was a safe one. Now it's time to complete the journey. Let's go home.

Janice: Yes…there's much more catching up to do there. Sarah, you've been giving permission to stay with us till lunchtime when they will be coming to eat with us.

Jake: Whew…don't mention food just yet. We had a big breakfast on the train.

Nate: Yea…they sure know how to feed ya.

Janice: (snickering) understood. James dear, we better get moving before the traffic gets too bad.

The group then left the station and headed for the van that would take them back to Mableton, bringing a close to the adventurous summer of Nathaniel Lee Crisp.

The End