?Continue your work. It will make you happy. It will make her happy,also. You have a few good friends, your children,your health, your sense of purpose. You've gathered considerable wisdom on your journey. Use it well. Gideon and I are here to help you. Call us when you need us. Mardai understands, better than you think, the situations in which you find yourself. She hears you when you speak to her. She also answers your questions and often speaks directly to you, but you do not hear her clearly, yet. Keep practicing.?

Marla became silent. We had covered substantial territory in our conversation. I knew the time was fast approaching when she would return to the friends she had left at the restaurant. I was, however, no longer worried, fearful or frustrated.

?I guess you're planning to leave now,? I said.

?Unless you need me to stay longer.?

?No. I'll see you again soon, anyway.?

?Then I'll be going,? she said. ?There's a lot you have to think about.? She hugged me tightly and smiled. We stood there for a moment longer before I turned and walked back to Donald's house. When I glanced back, Marla had vanished.

I tiptoed into the house so as not to wake my sleeping host. By this time, I was extremely tired. It had been an adventurous evening, full of entertainment and learning. We are truly our own best friends, but there are those times when we can, as well, be our own greatest enemy. A short while later I drifted off to sleep.

The next morning, I thanked Charlie and Donald for their warm hospitality. We spoke for a while about their hopes for the village, and I promised to visit them again one day. I was really going to miss these two. Sadly,I said good-bye, then pressed the red button on my remote control while picturing Gideon, Marla and Theo in my mind's eye. Within a few seconds I was back in my chair, seated next to them at the restaurant. They appeared to be in the middle of the same conversation as when I left.

?Welcome back, John,? said Gideon. ?I know you had an excellent trip. Welcome back.?

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