Keith had always found his upbringing sad. Over the couple days he told it to
Imogen Howe
, he realized it wasn't sad at all. Had he read a similar upbringing in another man's biography he wouldn't pity the guy. Would find it relatable. Nothing to be ashamed of.
That's what he liked most about this visit. He got to revisit his own story. It felt like finding himself. His childhood self. A Keith he had forgotten about.
The final evening, Keith and Imogen were walking along the coastline. On the boardwalk it always felt like holiday.
"You tricked me."
"What?"
"I feel like all we talked about was me."
"I like that."
Keith smiled back. "I'm not used to talking about myself like that," he said.
"I'm gonna miss you."
"When can you come back?"
"I don't know. I'll have to figure something out. But Alan. He'll catch on.'
Keith felt his shoulders slump. Knew this couldn't last forever. Began making an excuse up to help Imogen feel better.
"Maybe you can visit me."
Keith surprised straightened back out. "You mean over by
Westcity
?"
"Yeah. If you fly over and stay by my cafe. I can come see you for a few hours at a time."