(If Parting Glass by the Masterless Men is compatible with your device, please press play now)
As the Watterson family pulled into Elmore, Gumball was contemplating as to who owned the letter. Soon the convoy and sedan pulled into the driveway of Gumball and Penny's house, as Gumball placed the gear shift into park and turned off the ignition.
"Honey, I'm going to help you guys get settled in, along with Mom and Dad, but I have to find out who this letter was addressed to afterwards and deliver it to them; or else it will be eating away at my conscious all evening."
Penny smiled.
"No problem sweetie, we'll be waiting for you when you get back!"
The Watterson's then stepped out of the car, as suitcases were unloaded from the sedan, as well as Nicole and Richard's vehicle; as the family got resettled back into the house. As everyone was enjoying their leisure time, along with the Watterson kids being occupied by the new Polystation 5 console, Gumball ventured over to the phone hanging on the wall.
He dialed a number to the address directory agency of Elmore.
"Hello, operator? This is Gumball Watterson, I would like to inquire about a couple by the first names Justin and Denise that were residents in Elmore some years ago, approximately around the 70's? I have a note I wish to deliver to their children, if they are not deceased."
The flipping of pages could be heard on the other end, as the operator was locating the names in the archives of Elmore's census logs.
"Well Mr. Watterson, here is a pleasant surprise! The names you have just provided are a Mr. and Mrs. Hedges! Their only living child as of now is a Mr. Gary Hedges, who lives next to your parents Nicole and Richard Watterson!"
Gumballs eyes widened.
"Uh- thank you so much ma'am, I'll be sure to deliver the letter to him!"
"No problem, Mr. Watterson! Best of luck to you!"
Gumball then hung up the phone.
"Gary Hedges?!"
He placed a paw to his head.
"Everything alright Gummypuss?"
Nicole placed both paws on the shoulders of her son.
"No worries Mom, I have to deliver a letter to Gary Hedges..."
"Gary Hedges? You mean the gentleman who lives next door to your father and I?!"
Gumball let on a smirk.
"Yeah, THAT Gary Hedges!"
Nicole then smiled back.
"Well, go do what you need to do, I'm sure he'll appreciate having the letter delivered to him after all of these years."
Gumball smiled.
"Don't worry, I'll be back shortly!"
Gumball grabbed his jacket that he had worn to the dance, and quickly made his way down the front porch steps.
He walked for 10 minutes through the neighborhoods of Elmore, as he had so many times as a kid. The sounds and sights of the town remained unchanged, and this evening was no different, as the sun was setting a beautiful orange glow on the town in the valley below.
Gumball smiled as he passed his old home, the flashbacks and memories replaying in his mind.
"Glad to see that Mom and Dad are taking care of it."
He then made his way towards the house next door, the occupant of which was Gary Hedges.
He placed his claw on the doorbell.
"Just a second, I'll be right there! I hope this is not another salesman! I don't want to buy another faulty product, that you KNOW naïve seniors will fall for!"
Gumball then rolled his eyes and chuckled, as the door knob slowly turned to reveal Gary Hedges, who much to the blue cat's surprise had not changed in appearance even after such a lengthy duration of time.
"Well I'll be! Gumball Watterson! My goodness son, it was only yesterday I remember your mother carrying you towards your house as a baby, how have you been?!"
Gumball smiled and shook the hand of the older gentleman.
"I've been alright Mr. Hedges, I have a family now and just got back from an...eventful vacation."
Gary smiled.
"Well that's great to hear! Now, what brings you to my front door on this lovely evening?"
Gumball then pulled the letter from his jacket pocket and handed it over.
"Oh! What's this?"
Gary slid his finger across the envelope to open it, and began to scan the contents of the letter.
"Hmmmmm..."
The older gentleman branded a small smile as he finished reading.
"That would be Dad, he never lost sight of his family despite the challenges he faced at his job. Thank you, Gumball, this really means a lot!"
Gumball smiled.
"No problem Mr. Hedges! Oh, and here's the key to the car mentioned in the letter! I must say, she was beautiful to ride in!"
Both chuckled at the statement.
"Well it was nice seeing you again, sir!"
Gumball waved back at the older gentleman, as he made his way down the steps.
Before Gary closed the door, he put his hand out into a stopping gesture.
"Oh, Gumball!"
The blue feline turned back around to face the older gentleman.
"Yes?"
"Never lose sight of who you are and those around you who care for you the most!"
Gumball looked down with a smile.
"Don't worry sir, I believe the vacation revealed that to me on many occasions!"
The blue feline now began walking back home.
As the blue feline approached the house, the family was standing outside on the lawn to greet him.
"Oh, there you are! I was just about to call you about dinner, we didn't want to start without you!"
Penny stated, as she hugged Gumball.
"Well I delivered the letter to Mr. Hedges, he was delighted to see me again! He was glad to hear about me having a family..."
Penny smiled.
"A family that is glad to have you as well...also on behalf of all of us, we're very much sorry for this..."
Gumball put on a confused expression.
"Sorry for wha-"
*SPLASH*
Gumball's face was drenched, as he looked to the family who were laughing hysterically.
"Got you again Watterson!"
Carrie shouted, as the barrage of water balloons had been delivered by everyone, after her shot landed.
"Oh...I see how it is...unluckily for you guys...I STILL HAVE SOME RESERVES!"
The Watterson family soon engaged in a water balloon fight, as the vacation that had impacted them greatly, concluded right where it began. But it saw a changed blue feline find himself again, and rekindled a bond with his family.
*END OF STORY*