Chapter 60 bid farewell

October 30 and 31, 1902 Concord, Massachusetts Bailey climbed the oak tree before sunset, retrieved the hidden box, and gazed down at the circus bathed in deep orange twilight, casting long, spiky shadows across the fields.But when he opened the box, he couldn't find what he really wanted to take with him. He just took out Poppy's white gloves, put them in his coat pocket, and put the box back in the tree. At home, he counted his life savings, which was more than he had expected, before packing a change of clothes and an extra sweater into his luggage.He considered bringing an extra pair of shoes with him, but decided to borrow a few from Wage if he needed to.He stuffed everything into an old, thin leather satchel, and waited for his parents to go to bed with Caroline.

As he waited, he took the luggage out of his bag and put it back in, anticipating what he would take with him and what he would leave behind. He waited an hour to make sure everyone was asleep, and then another hour.While sneaking into a house at an unusual hour was something he was comfortable with, sneaking out was another. When he finally tiptoed down the corridor, he was surprised at how late it was.When he put his hands on the door and was about to leave, he turned around and put down his bag, looking for papers quietly. Once he found the paper, he sat down at the kitchen table and wrote a note to his parents.He tried his best to explain the reason for leaving, hoping that the two elders would understand.He made no mention of Harvard, and said nothing about the future of the farm.

He recalled that his mother had blessed him with happiness and adventure in his life when he was young.If this action wasn't an adventure, then he wasn't sure what was. What are you doing?a voice behind asked. Bailey turned to find Caroline standing in the doorway in her nightgown, her hair pushed up in curls, and a knitted blanket draped over her shoulders. There is nothing for you to worry about.As he spoke, he turned back and continued writing.He signed the letter, folded it, and stood it upright in the middle of the table, next to the wooden bowl full of apples.Make sure they read it.

Are you going to run away?Caroline asked, looking at his bag. Be it. You are not serious, are you?she said, yawning. I'm not sure when it will come back.When I can write a letter, I will.Tell them not to worry about me. Bailey, go to bed. Why don't you go back to bed yourself, Caroline?You look like you need more beauty sleep. Caroline just turned her face sarcastically in response. Besides, Bailey continued: Since when did you care what I do? You've been behaving childishly this week, Caroline raised her voice, but whispered it like a growl: Goofing around in that stupid circus all night.Be more mature, Bailey.

I'm just going to do something mature, Bailey said: I don't care if you understand.I will not be happy staying here.Staying here will make you happy, because you are boring and uninteresting, and a boring life is enough for you.It just isn't enough for me and never will be enough.So I'm leaving.Do me a favor and marry someone who takes good care of her flock. He took an apple from the bowl, tossed it in the air, caught it, stuffed it into the bag, waved Caroline cheerfully, and that was all. He left her alone at the table and quietly closed the door behind him.She fell into silent anger, opening and closing her mouth.

Bailey walked farther and farther away from home, full of energy.He almost expected that Caroline would catch up from behind, or wake up his parents immediately and warn them about his running away.But with every step he took away from home, it became clearer; now that he was really leaving home, nothing could stop him. The silence of the night and the lack of crowds along the road that he rushed to the circus before the gates opened at other nights made the journey feel even longer. When Bailey carried his bag and walked to his own oak tree, the stars were still clearly visible.He was later than he had hoped, but still some time before dawn.

But the fields stretching out from under the trees were empty under the starry sky, as if nothing had ever occupied that space but grass, leaves, and mist.