Don't look back, you're not going that way

 

Odin knew this wouldn't end well. Why was he like this? Of course, his mumzy said he was just too pessimistic. "She'll be fine," she kept saying the whole time as she was fixing her best grub. He didn't want Shelly to see another meat pie.

"But Mumzy, she never really had a family, and..and.." He hated to tell her they weren't exactly textbook material. He'd had a dad away most of his youth, and then when he was around well, he ate too much and he drank too much. Odin shook his head. God, he hoped Shell didn't think that was her future.

Finally, when he did find her a way out of the old bathroom, he couldn't help to be apologetic.

"We'll find a nice place to stay the night," he might go into debt trying, but it wouldn't be another night here. "The folks have things to do." He smiled with all his might. "I guess we've outstayed our welcome."

"Really?" He could see the hopefulness in her eyes. She was pleased to get out of this mess.

He nodded and told her to pack her things. He went to help. A part of him felt ashamed that this was what he grew up with. 

"Thank you for meeting them," he said.

She nodded back with a smile as if she understood. 

"You sure, we..we won't upset them," it was as if she'd stick with this if she must.

"Oh, no. Don't you worry," he was serious. They were on to someplace, but it wouldn't be here. Yes, it might be road less traveled or maybe the main street. They would find their way. Just the two of them. He didn't need their blessing. He didn't need Mumzy and Popsie, at all. And yet, he wanted to see them ever so often. Of course, they had no intentions of coming to the city. Oh no. This was where they belonged. 

It was bittersweet, but Odin knew where he belonged and it was with Shelly.