Royalty (November 1)

Hank tells Robbie of his plan to quit school at age fourteen and work odd jobs, either in Toronto or along the Bay. His goal is to match the life-style of local models that his mother calls “our royalty around here.” But Robbie needs convincing…

“‘A regular job might be safer. Don’t you think so, Hank?’

‘Not really. Look around Port Glen.’ He settled in to champion a rationale he must have formulated since long before announcing his decision. ‘Take old George Dalton. He closes the marina every autumn. Then he barely works another hour until the tourists come back. Well, I’d like that, too. Or Roger Winston. He’s in his office at the Club every day, but what does he do? I hear he phones the bank from time to time. That’s nothing. Or Father Lemaire, I don’t suppose he’s worked a week in his whole life… so, why wear myself out?’”

‘Providence Point,’ pp. 20-21

Robbie, Hank and their friend Rex begin as the best of childhood pals. At first, they can barely imagine any threat to that close connection. Still, fault lines inevitably appear. Robbie’s and Hank’s conversation is an early sign of tensions to come. At first, neither of them clearly understands the limits of their dream. Yet in time each of them is forced to discover their own ways of making peace with reality.

Time can of course be an ally as well as a foe. That theme is as old as literature itself. As Zen teaches, ‘The obstacle is also the path.’ Perhaps that principle has been demonstrated in your own life, too. If so, you might wish to post a Comment.

(Illustration generated by AI)