River's Edge

By Peggy

June 2001

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Written for the All E! Fanfic mailing list's "200 Members/200 Words Fanfic Fest".

Angst Warning!  Proceed at your own risk!

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"I had almost forgotten how beautiful this place was." Roy settled against a boulder near the river's edge and pulled a bottle of water from his backpack. "We sure had some great times here, Junior.  The best fishing spot in three counties you always called it. Used to make you so mad that

I always caught the most fish! But forty years later you're still dragging me back here." DeSoto chuckled and sipped his water.

The two-mile hike through the woods had taken a toll on his seventy-three year old body and the sun-warmed boulder felt good against his back. His head drooped and Roy dozed on the riverbank.

When he woke, the shadows were lengthening and the air had turned colder. "Guess it's time," he said softly … reluctantly.

Roy struggled to his feet and carefully picked his way across the rocks to the river's edge. He pulled a heavy brass jar from his pack, almost dropping it as he fumbled with the lid. Tipping the urn, he allowed the contents to spill out into the water.

"Good-bye, old friend," Roy whispered as the river carried Johnny's ashes away towards the sea. "I'll see you on the other side."

The End

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Dedication:  for Donna and Susan.  Here's to another 200!

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