The Man Who Came From Nowhereby Rod Hamon |
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| conclusion |
Earth’s inhabitants gradually returned. The cleanup job was massive but the people were joyful to be back and eagerly took up the challenge.
One group of people that had returned to their village stood on a hillside and gazed down at the devastation that had once been their home. After a while, they descended and approached a cluster of deserted houses. Few buildings had been untouched by the catastrophe; most were just burnt-out shells.
They walked slowly down the main street of the ghost town, looking from side to side. No one said a word. They just stared.
After a while, one of the men spoke. “Not much left.”
A woman nodded. “They say it’s the same everywhere.”
They were halfway down the street when they heard a noise. The group stopped and looked around.
“Probably just a rat. They can survive anything.”
They heard the noise again. But could see nothing.
They were about to continue again when they saw what looked like a figure emerging from one of the distant buildings. It was a dishevelled man, his face smeared with soot and ash.
He smiled broadly and waved. The man attempted to run but his injuries prevented him. He tripped and fell.
They ran over and helped him to his feet.
Thomas, the man who came from nowhere, had survived, and because of him the Earth had also survived.
Thomas appeared before the Supreme Commander of the Alliance.
“You have done well.”
“Thank you, Supreme Commander.” Thomas hesitated then spoke again. “Supreme Commander, I have a request.”
The Commander waited.
Jenny, now in her mid-forties, had resigned herself to a life alone. She frequently wondered about Thomas and the life that could have been.
As she busied herself with housework she thought back to the mystery of Thomas’ disappearance.
Those flowers by the window need a good dusting, she thought.
She walked over. Through the window in the distance she could see a man coming towards the house. He was walking in the middle of the road.
Copyright © 2009 by Rod Hamon
