When It's Time to Move On

Door 4 - Chapter 58 - For the Last Time

"What did she mean by that?" Huey asked.

Harris didn't reply.

Before they knew it, they were back in the city. Harris marveled at the contrast between his two arrivals. The first time, he'd been positive, yet unsure of what he wanted. This time, he could see everything that would be in store. 

Harris and Huey visited the places of the city he'd once been to alone; picking out settings for Huey's new room back home, taking him to the cinema or the arcade, or feeding him as much chicken as he liked. 

The people at the park, where Harris had begun his photography, were surprised to see him with a child of his own, but none could doubt the sheer adoration he held for the boy.

Zafina would call in some time later. Once she was there, she brought news of her transfer to the city's branch of her firm, so she could be close to the two of them. She also updated them on Huey's uncle's whereabouts; he was expected to return to Longton. It was then that Harris decided to take a big step forward.

"You're going to ask for your old job back? I thought you hated it," said Zafina. He had asked her to stay over at their place while he prepared to return to his former city.

"Remember what you said back at the wishing well? It's time to be responsible." He told her. "I'm going to ask for a part-time position and shift to their offices here. I'll also ask Huey's uncle to let him stay here."

"And now that you're not thinking just for yourself you're going to earn for someone else," she finished for him. "That's wonderful, Harris."

"Thanks, want to come in while I say goodbye to him?"

Huey was already in bed when they entered.

"Sleep well, and have a fantastic time with your head in the clouds." Harris wished the boy, ruffling his hair.

"He says that every night," said a bemused Huey to Zafina. "I keep telling him I'm not that young."

"Don't pretend you don't like it," Zafina called him out.

"Well, my flight's going to leave soon," Harris checked his watch.

"Before you leave... here."

Huey handed a frame to Harris. A picture of him and Zafina, the very same that had won Harris the exhibit.

"You gave me your sister's camera. I thought you'd want your masterpiece with you," said Huey, the camera Harris had bestowed upon him glinting at his bedside table. "Zafina got the frame, by the way, so it's a gift from the both of us."

"I'll take it with me wherever I go," said Harris, moved. He put the frame in his coat's pocket. "Now, I'm going to leave before you two convince me to stay."

He stood at the doorframe before departing. Huey and Zafina shared a laugh amongst themselves, and it was with a heavy heart that he looked at them. There was no room for speculation anymore -- this would be the last time he saw them in person. He didn't break his gaze for a long time, hoping to etch this moment in his memory beyond doubt. Outside the window, a glow of light beckoned, and this time, he felt its urge.

He tore himself away from the door. But with a final act of weakness, he turned back. There was a silence in the room that was only broken by the sound of Harris's heavy sigh. He put a hand over his heart, feeling the frame against it, and patted the spot. It was clear Huey and Zafina received the message. And with that, he was gone.

Harris had no clue how quickly the plane ride passed and he found himself standing before Mr. Littman once more. But it felt like he'd been transported there in the blink of an eye.

"So you will be working in the office over there." Mr. Littman said. "I'm happy to hear that, and the part-time shift should give you enough time to pursue your other interests. I heard you entered a photography showcase. But why return?"

"I need to be responsible, sir, and if I can balance between passion and responsibility, that's enough for me. Also, I never thanked you properly. You took me in when I really needed work, and I really appreciate that."

Mr. Littman shook Harris's hand with a look of splendid surprise.

"And they say personal growth is a myth," he commented. "You're welcome. I'll have your papers prepared for transfer. So, if you'll excuse me."

Harris's phone rang just as Mr. Littman left.

"Hi, couldn't wait for you to call, did you get the job?" Zafina asked.

"Yeah, all set," Harris replied, controlling his voice, aware that at any moment it would be the last time he heard hers.

"So, one more...Congratulations!" Both Huey and Zafina yelled happily on the phone.

"Thank you," he responded, pushing the phone a little away from his ear. He breathed heavily, taking out the frame from his pocket to look at their picture. "One last thing, I want you guys to know that it's because of you that my search is finally over..."

But there was no reply. The air he let out of his lungs was released into a quiet world. Outside the door, he knew Mr. Littman had completed the proceedings, but he would never return. 

Because it was all done. Whatever he was meant to find, he had. His stay had been graciously extended, and he had nothing but gratitude for it.

Harris turned toward the door he'd entered through long ago. The knob shone brightly, a light was visible through the keyhole; there was a sunny sky waiting for him beyond. Harris put his hand on the knob, the final time he would walk out of a door. 

Yet, on this occasion, he did not turn back to gaze at the world he would leave behind. Instead, he closed his eyes and remembered all he had seen.

With another long breath, he turned the knob. The hallway had returned, so luminous that it evaporated all sorrow from him. It felt like a beckoning toward a warm embrace. His face lighting up into a smile, Harris walked out, closing the door behind him for the last time.