As Nick
settled into bed that night, he reflected on the day. He enjoyed pizza and chatting with Kevin at
the pizza place. He learned they had a
Facebook page and Nick promised to “Like” them whenever he started on
Facebook. As they said their goodbyes,
Nick asked for a recommendation of a place where he could get some gifts for
his family. Kevin pointed out a shop a
few blocks away.
Once
there, Nick purchased some gifts for his children and then a couple small items
for the Fisher family who traveled with him to the Arenal Volcano on the
tour. Then he flagged down a cab and
returned to the hotel. Once in his room,
he started packing things into his luggage.
As he did, memories tried to flood in but he blocked them out. He wasn’t ready to be emotional just
yet. He planned to have dinner with
Mark and Pat. He knew Mark would give
him grief if he was a blubbering mess.
As
always, mealtime with those special people was enjoyable even if it was
short. Nick knew he had to get back and
into bed early since they would leave early in the morning. He was leaving on a flight at 8:15 AM. Now he wished he had booked a later flight
but this one was a few dollars cheaper and that was the deciding factor at the
time. He would pay the price in the
morning with sleepy eyes and a groggy mind.
He
finished laying out clothes for the following day and packed everything else
but toiletries. Then he considered
visiting the driftwood. He stood for a
moment with his hands on his suitcase.
Should he go now? He wanted to
but did feel sleepy. He decided to visit
his Costa Rican friend early in the morning.
With that decision made, he got into bed.
Nick
closed his eyes and considered the events of the previous days. Never in his wildest dreams would he have
thought that this place would work its way into his heart the way it did. He genuinely felt he was taking a piece of it
home with him. Costa Rica would always
be in his heart. It was a special place
and the people were also special. He
hoped to return some day.
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