I talked to Bobby for almost an hour and by the time I got off the cell phone, I promised him I would leave the next day to come back home.

.

I went to the Pub, where Hank and Cora were closing down.

We shared a drink and I told them of my plan to go back home.

.

"Be dis fer gud, Will, boy?"

.

I shook my head.

"No. I just have something I have to take care of and I promise I will be back as soon as I can.

I will check in with you every day and make sure that all our plans stay on schedule."

.

Cora smiled a sad smile.

"Won't be da same, without you 'ere, Will, me love.

Youse like part of da family."

.

Hank laughed, adding, "and da Pub won't be da same without those two cats be yours. Dey is a part of da place too."

.

"You two make it sound like I will never be back."

.

"Well," Cora reminded me, "dis be not yer 'ome, Will. Back dere, wherever dere is. Dat be yer 'ome."

.

I put my hand on hers.

"I will be back. I promise."

.

We finished our beers and I gave both of them huge hugs.

I planned to get on the road, as soon as I woke up. Hopefully I would catch Evangeline before she left, so I could say goodbye to her.

.

I packed my clothes and personal belongings, before finally going to bed.

It was almost 4am.

.

Sleep came quick, but I did not wake until almost 9.

Evangeline was gone, already.

.

I quickly said goodbye, again to Cora and Hank and the kids and told them to say goodbye to Evangeline for me. Moments later, I was on the road.

It was a great day, so the drive should be pleasant and Ghost and Spirit seemed excited about the drive.

.

It was after dark, by the time I pulled off the highway and into the little community that I called home.

The strangest feeling came over me as I drove through the deserted street and off toward my house. I didn't see a single soul anywhere, which really was kind of weird, considering that there was always some kind of activity going on.

But tonight, it was just quiet.

.

As I pulled up in front of my house, I noticed that even Bobby and Jessie's vehicle was no where to be found.

I unlocked the front door of the house and opened it, so Ghost and Spirit could go inside, which they did, in the blink of an eye.

.

I took my luggage and went inside as well.

Again, a strange feeling overtook me.

.

I walked into the living room. The Christmas tree was gone. I don't know why that surprised me, as three months had passed, but it just struck me as odd.

.

I started a fire and went to my bar. I poured a scotch and stood in front of my living room window, staring out across the ocean.

I wanted it to feel right, but it just didn't. The house felt cold and empty and I almost had the feeling that I did not belong.

.

"Welcome home, Will," I said aloud as I raised my glass.

.

I saw the flicker of lights and knew a vehicle was coming up toward the house.

I assumed that it was Bobby and Jessie, but as the car stopped in front of the window, a cold shiver hit me.

.

It was Sheila.

.

"Shit."

I had come home because of what Bobby had told me, but I had hoped that I would not have to face Sheila right away.

That was part of the reason why I took my time driving back, making more than a few unnecessary stops, for gas and snacks and such.

Even the cats stared at me, as if they were wondering what was taking so long.

.

I heard my doorbell ring.

Slowly I walked to the front door.

I took a deep breath before opening it.

.

We stared at each other for a moment.

.

It was Sheila that broke the silence.

"You look different."

.

I had not shaved my head since I had left the Rock and I had a full head of slightly curly hair, as well as a full beard.

.

"You look the same."

I didn't know what to do, so once again it was Sheila.

.

She gave me a quick hug and kiss on the cheek.

"Can I come in?"

.

"Of course."

I stepped aside, so she could enter and I closed the door behind her.

"Would you like a drink?"

.

"No," she said, quietly.

"I am only here for a few minutes."

.

Again an awkward silence fell over us.

.

Sheila lit a cigarette.

.

"When did you start smoking?"

.

"When you left," she snapped.

.

"I'm sorry ..."

.

"I know, Will. That's all you ever say. I'm sorry.

But tell me this Will.

What did I do?

What did I do that was so terrible, that you had to run away?"

.

"It wasn't you, Sheila ..."

.

She put her hand up.

"Please Will, don't insult me with that bullshit line."

.

"I'm sorry."

.

"And for the love of God, stop saying, I'm sorry."

She threw her hands in the air, ashes flying off her cigarette.

.

"Please, Sheila, just come up and sit. We can talk."

.

She shook her head.

"No, Will. Its too late for that."

.

"Its never too late, Sheila."

.

She laughed.

"Henry and I are leaving in the morning. We are going to Alberta, to stay with my sister."

She drew heavy on her cigarette.

"But, I assume that Bobby or Jess have already told you that."

.

I simply nodded. It was how Bobby convinced me to come home. He said that the right thing to do was to talk to Sheila.

But I did not know she was leaving so quickly.

.

"Was it another woman, Will?"

.

I shook my head.

"No. There was no one else."

.

"Then what?"

Her voice went soft and gentle.

"Please tell me what I did. I thought we had something special.

I thought you loved me."

.

"I did and I still do."

I wasn't lying.

.

"Then what happened? What happened New Years that drove you away from me?"

.

I couldn't tell her the truth.

"I just got scared. I ... I just couldn't handle how quickly things were moving."

I was lying, but I hoped it would make things easier for her.

"I got scared and I ran."

.

"Why did't you talk to me? Tell me how you felt.

We could have slowed down. I would have done anything."

.

I took her hand in mine.

"Maybe we can start over?"

.

She shook her head, reaching into her pocket. She passed me a gift box. I knew what it was.

The necklace, bracelet and earrings I had given her for Christmas.

.

I shook my head.

"No. You keep it. Sell it if you want."

.

She put it in my hand and leaned forward, gently kissing me on the lips.

"You are a wonderful, loving man, Will Templeton.

I hope, one day, you defeat whatever demons are inside of you."

.

She turned, but I held her hand.

"Sheila, please."

I honestly wanted her to stay.

.

"Goodbye, Will."

.

I let her hand go and she left.

I expected her to turn around. Maybe run back into my arms, but she simply got in her car and drove off.

.

Tears filled my eyes.

I closed the door.

The house never felt so cold.