Leaving Town

by Tony Spencer

"Isn't what?"

"The town. All those lights, aren't they beautiful?"

"I suppose. Have you ever seen the city at night."

"Yeah. It's not the same, though."

"Why's that?"

"That smog. You can hardly see the stars anymore. Not like here."

"True. Those lights, though. As far as you can see. Makes this place look tiny."

"So?"

"You mean, you've never thought about leaving? What future is there in this town? The meat works? Farming?"

"It was good enough for my old man. He did all right for himself, didn't he? Guys are working for him, now. Says I might take over from him one day."

"Thats okay for you. Place is getting too small for me. City's the place to be, now."

"You'd leave it all behind, just like that? Our family is here. Don't know how many people there are in the city, but if you go, you'll be on your own. It's a whole different way of life."

"You'll learn. One day you'll see it my way. Thing is, by then it might be too late. Remember when everything seemed so big, like a world of its own? Now, though. It's as if we've grown, but the town hasn't. The hills. Look past the grass, what are they?"

"You tell me. What are they?"

"Walls. They're like walls and this town is a prison. Soon I'll have done my time."

"And what are you going to do when you get out? Have you thought about that?"

"Remember Johnny? He's living there now. Said I could flat with him for a while, if I wanted. I've got some money put away, too. Should last me till I find a job."

"And if it doesn't? You'll find out you belong here, after all."

"I'm tired of this. Everyone telling me what to do. It's my life. My decision. If it doesn't work out, then at least I gave it a try. There's a whole world beyond these hills, and I want to see it."

"Sorry. It's just that, I don't know... We said we'd be friends forever, didn't we? And now it's as if you want to leave all that behind. I mean, I hope you find what you're looking for out there and everything, but it won't be the same if you're not around."

"You really think I'd do that? Just turn my back on all this and move on? I'll be back. No matter how it turns out, I'll be back. This is my home, remember?"

"Promise?"

"Promise. Besides, there's one thing I can't stand about the city."

"What's that?"

"That smog. You can hardly see the stars anymore. Not like here."