Page 101 - Musings 2022

his hair onto his neck. He sat like that for a minute and said in a tone of admittance “What gave

it away?”.
He looked at Jerry. The mask of a friendly stranger had been removed. He was looking in front

and had a certain glow in his eyes.
“What did not?” said Jerry “I’ve seen you everyday for the past year. Never have you been late

for the bus. You were not the most cheerful lad around but never gave a grim look like today.

You were always well dressed my boy, rolled up sleeves, forgetting a watch and muddy shoes?
It was as if you knew it wouldn’t matter, because you’ll not be back tomorrow. These were all

suspicious but didn’t quite seal the deal.”
Dylan was shocked to hear his deduction. His face grew pale and then gained colour. He had

just one question “Then what did?”.

“Isn’t it odd for a man to be late for a bus because he had to buy cough syrup and not cough
even once? Sleeping pills, aren’t they?”

Dylan smiled.
For the first time in the past two years he had a real smile on his face. It was more of a smirk

mocking his stupidity and at the same time awing the plumber’s deductive skills.
“You’re one smart man.”

“Don’t do it Dylan. I’ve felt what you’re feeling, I know it can be tough. But trust me on this,

it’s not worth it. There is more to life, and you’re better than this.”
“I have been saying the same things to myself for the last two years, I don’t wanna do this, trust

me. But I feel there is nothing more to life anymore. There is just no one to live for. What good
is a life like this?” he asked.

“Who do I live for?” Jerry said in a persuasive manner. “I used to work as a salesman at a

brewery in Nashville. I was making good money, my son and I had a pretty happy life. Until,
of course, the accident. Why do you think I moved here? I could’ve retired there. I had saved

up for my retirement and my son’s college. I moved here because I was done being alone. I
don’t need to work as a plumber. But I do. I get to talk to some or the other person here

everyday. When I fix up a pipe, they sometimes even call me out for a cup of coffee. I live for

these moments, for these people.
Life has its ups and downs, there’s no doubt about that. But, when you find yourself surrounded

by darkness in the tunnel, look for that one ray of light which gives you hope of escaping. Don’t
do it soon. She’ll not be happy.”

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