Part 15

 As the night air continued to surround us Norton indicated for us to join him and his unknown companion on the cold pavement. We could tell that he was ready to share what had been going on with him for the last week or so. There were a lot of hidden details that would be revealed, changing our entire outlook on the community that we had grown up in.

         With a deep breath Norton finally began his explanation of his own disappearance. “Look guys, there are so many things that I discovered about myself and my folks when I started the drama project, Homeless. I never, ever thought that I of all people would be here, but here I am." he stopped, taking another deep breath. Collecting his thoughts, we listened as he continued," I'm not who I thought I was, hell my parents aren't who they say they were. Nothing is real anymore. Do you feel me? Can you understand what I'm saying?" He just continued to look at us as though we should understand where his mind was going with all of this, but we didn't.

         James spoke in a much calmer tone, trying to let Norton know that we were here for him, “Norton, I know. I know everything."

         “Holy shit, finally. No more secrets." Norton replied looking so relieved.

         It was my turn to talk and I had a few things to say about this whole crazy mess, "Well, holy weezier Norton. This has been one fine mess that you created. Did you get the results that you hoped for? Man, I hope, truly hope so cause me and James have been through the ringer ass backwards on this thing. So, what did you find out about your life to cause such uproar? Tell me, pleesssee" I emphasized.

         Turning to look at the body beside him, he pulled the blanket up and tucked it neatly around them once again. He spoke softly with such sorrow in his voice; I immediately regretted what was coming. 

Norton had a story to tell, one that could have never been written by him. 

         There are souls that touch our lives without us ever having known that they existed until someone ignites the fire that burns brightly for forever for them.