Going Home

Part 56

Josh watched as Glen made his way over to Grace, presumably to thank her as well. And turning his attention back to the rope Josh didn’t notice his father approaching.

Moving over to Josh Robert watched him packing up his gear. He needed to say something but he wasn’t sure if Josh was going to want to hear it so he was worried about his reaction. Reaching him Robert put his hand on Josh’s shoulder and watched as his head snapped around, his expression wary. Sighing, lamenting the fact that his son was so unaccustomed to familial contact that his automatic response was uncertainty he began slowly, “great work Josh, I’m glad you were here. I’m not sure the outcome would have been as good if you hadn’t been.

“No problem.” Josh said in a gruff voice, as far as he was concerned he just did what needed to be done.

But Robert wasn’t finished, and looking at his son he steeled himself to say what he’d been feeling ever since Josh arrived “I’m proud of you,son.”

Surprised Josh didn’t know what to say. He hadn’t heard those words all his adult life, didn’t even think he needed to. But unaccountably he was affected by them. So looking away and feeling awkward he said “thanks”

Watching him and feeling a little agitated, Robert rubbed his neck. This was harder than he thought and looking away he exclaimed “god I could use a beer.”

Looking at his profile Josh smiled as he realised this was no easier for his dad to say than it was for him to hear. He said, “oh yeah.”

And turning his head to look at him Robert laughed “well let’s get home then.”

Picking up his gear Josh said “sounds good.”

Going Home

Part 55

As soon as Maddie was up, the rope was lowered again and looking at Grace Josh said “okay your turn.”

Smiling Grace got back into the harness with some help from Josh then began the ascent back up the cliff. Slower than the downward journey, Grace still made good time back up to the top and finally it was Josh’s turn. Getting into the harness Josh thought back over the last couple of days. So much had happened since they had arrived. Some of it hadn’t really sunk in yet but one thing he was sure of is he was glad he’d come. Climbing back to the top Josh wondered what his relationship with his parents would be like in the future. At least now if someone asked about them he’d have an answer. Up until then he’d avoided questions about his family.

Robert thoughts, as he watched Josh climb back up the cliff, were also on recent events and what the future will hold for all of them. Grace was once again in charge of the ropes and Robert was happy just to watch as Josh made his way back up.

As he reaches the top Josh was surprised at the number of people present, the ambulance had left but there must have been ten people gathered together. Looking a question at Grace, she shrugged and smiled. Then folding the blanket they used for Maddie she headed over to the farm vehicle.  

Standing off to the side retrieving his ropes Josh glanced at those that had gathered and watched as a man broke away from the group and walked in his direction.

Putting out his hand the man introduced himself “I’m Glen, Maddie’s father.

Shaking his hand Josh repeated the introduction “Josh.”

“Yes I know Robert told me” Glen said. “My wife has gone in the ambulance but I wanted to wait to thank you for finding Maddie and helping her. I don’t know what would have happened if you hadn’t been here visiting.”

Never good at taking compliments Josh looked back at the rope he was coiling and played down his role, “no worries” he said “someone would have found her.”

But Maddie’s father wasn’t convinced and shaking his head he said “I don’t think so, so thanks for what you did, we’ll always be grateful.”

Looking up again Josh said “no problem, I hope she’ll be okay.”

Living La Dolce Vita

Day 13

Today we left Sorento, heading back to Rome. Our first stop was Pompeii. This decimated city left me in awe, such an amazing place full of so much history. I have trouble believing I actually saw it first-hand. Even though much of the marble has been stripped from the ancient city it is still incredible and been able to experience the places people lived so many years ago is indescribable. 

Pompeii

© A Product of Silence

After leaving Pompei we had a brief stopover in Naples where we had lunch. I would have enjoyed Naples much more had our tour guides not scared the life out of us with stories of muggings etc. As it was there was there was a protest happening by out of work men in the centre square. 

However lunch was incredible. We found a little pasta restaurant out of the way, up a tiny alley way and we had one of the best meals we'd had in Italy. This was mostly because of the entertainment which consisted of a man playing a piano accordion who serenaded us while we ate. If I didn't look up I could imagine it was Dean Martin singing 'That's Amore' amongst other songs that you associate with Italy from years gone by. It was a magical time. 

Bay of Naples

© A Product of Silence

We arrived back at our hotel in Rome at 6.15 and spent the evening doing some last minute shopping and packing up ready for our departure tomorrow. It's hard to believe my stay in Italy is nearly over. We have seen so much in our short time here. I'll be sad to leave, but I'm looking forward to seeing my family.