042 - Rhubarb

[deadly_ned]

[Sitting in his self-made pillow fort is the Piemaker, with a hand on his dog, Digby, and a rucksack over one shoulder. His room behind him is made up and neat]

I ought to have done this...maybe four or five months ago but change was never something I was particularly attuned to. Change and me were on different wavelengths.

I graduated two inmates and I'm...heading home. To Chuck.

And I just wanted to, to, um...


Thank you. Everyone, all of you. For..making the changing easier and for letting me stay as long as I have and for making this place harder and harder to leave.

It's hard to leave. It's one of the hardest things I've ever done even though I know it's time. Past time. That...probably says more about my time spent here than anything else I could say.

...Yeah. I know I'm stalling now, so I'll just...

Thank you. For the memories.

[Private to Bleu]

I'm sorry I wasn't so much here for you as I should have been. Is there anything I can do for you? Before I go.

[Private to Hannibal]

I'll be checking in, periodically. When I can. Your graduation was the one I wanted to see most.

[Private to Abigail]

I left the rest of the records in a box by your door. I'm hoping that wasn't too forward.

[Private to Esther]

You're better than you give yourself credit for. I really...really do hope you find your way.

[Private to Dean]

Dean, I...

I know you don't really know who I am. You don't owe me anything. At all.

But if I could just...see you. To say goodbye. It would mean everything.

Comments

[deadly_ned]

Thanks, Riddick. Thank you. For your help and your food and your comfort.

[with_my_teacup]

I'll keep baking. Try not to be too hurt about the occasional cake?

[That may mean 'thank you' too.]

[deadly_ned]

I'll try.

Maybe cheesecake is a good compromise. It has a pie crust.

[with_my_teacup]

I'll keep that in mind.

Say hey to Chuck for me.

[deadly_ned]

She'd like you. Chuck.

When you're done here, maybe you'd stop by for a visit? Just for old times' sake.

[with_my_teacup]

You mind if Arthas comes too?

[deadly_ned]

Of course Arthas can come too.

I don't know if he'd like it, but he's welcome.

[with_my_teacup]

He can suck it up.

Thanks, Ned. I'll see you.

[deadly_ned]

I'll see you too.

Best of luck. With...everything. And say goodbye to Partner for me and Digby.

[with_my_teacup]

Will do.

He's coming too, when we visit. He likes Digby.

[deadly_ned]

Digby likes him. What's not to like?

I'll miss you.

[with_my_teacup]

Yeah.

You too.

[deadly_ned]

[Giving a sad, weary smile, the Piemaker reaches over and closes his communicator]