Today is the day John leaves. And in two weeks, I'll leave too.
He hugged us all and said his goodbyes. I knew he was going to miss everyone, and we were going to miss him too, but he was going to have a better life out there. He was going to live and show the world how much it needed him.
I remember one day, when we were playing go fish around a small table a few years ago, he told me he wanted to be a comedian, so he could make people laugh. Laughter makes the world brighter, he used to say. I know he will. He made Shadow Ridge a better place, why not make the rest of the world happy?
He turned to me before walking out. "Oliver, promise to meet me on the outside? Remember our arrangements?" I nodded and gave him another hug.
"Yeah. See you there, pal."
And with that, he turned and left. We all watched him leave the gates, and he walked down the forested road, to the outside world.
Fourteen days, and that'll be me.
Fourteen days, and I'll leave Esther here.
Fourteen days until I go out and face the world on my own.
Fourteen.
I don't know whether to be excited or anxious.