When Visitors Came

The land was vast, barren yet beautiful in it’s own right. An old farmer trudged by every morning enjoying his cigarette and gazing upon the land with a strained look on his face. Bothered by thoughts of losing his land, that which he had worked so hard for over the years. The poor gentleman wasn’t one to share his problems with outsiders. Most of the towns people referred to him as a rather laconic sort of gentleman. He was never one to ask for advice though he knew he would pay the consequence for his continued privacy. Tyler Moore shook his head and started to walk back to the house, his legs weary so he walked slowly as if lead were in his boots. His stomach rumbled, but his current situation took away his appetite, eating only due to necessity. The roaring of a motor heard many miles away caused Tyler to pick up the pace in order to eschew any confrontation with those of authorative position. He quickly hid behind a gyroscope, an old door and other items gathered in the old barn. Thoughts raced through his mind as he stayed in a crouched position, he thought of setting fire to his property in order to collect the insurance, a thought which was dismissed immediately. He thought of living like a mole burrowed deep in the ground, a silly thought also dismissed. His final thought was of selling his property, although he realized the buyers would expect a bargain price and why should he have to practically give his property away. He heard the door of a vehicle slammed shut and the bellowing of his name with excited voices, familiar voices. Slowly he walked out into the open and saw three family members, running toward him, grabbing him hugging and kissing him. He was taken back no one had bothered to visit him before. They walked him toward the house, went in and sat at the table. His cousin Andy handed him an envelope, David and Joanne looked at each other and smiled. Then all eyes focused on Tyler as he shakily opened the letter, inside he found documents that stated his land was free and clear of all liens. Tears began to fall and a crooked smile came upon his face. He had mixed emotions and didn’t quite know how to react. Tyler slowly looked up with reddened eyes, while his lips quivered he managed to say thank you, he shook his head and repeated those words over and over. Andy, David and Joanne all took turns hugging and kissing Tyler assuring him that everything is alright now. The following morning while everyone slept, Tyler took a walk, cigarette in hand, smiling all the way, suddenly he stopped reached his arms toward the sky and said “THANKYOU”.