The Tension Game

Tyler fistbump-ed me goodbye, while the hosts, one by one, shook my hand farewell, while the Witch handed me a small slip of parchment with a number written on it, adorned in little squiggly hearts all over. 

Somehow news of my abrupt departure got out and was echoing across the lips of many… and soon everyone was scrambling last-minute to the exit, eager to see me off to a hero's send-off. 

Many were content with just waving farewell by the sidelines, some preferred a more personal touch, and patted me on the back… many different thank-yous, a wide array of praises with a smile, but always the same goodbye.

"We'll see you next year, Hero!"

Next year, huh? I suppose I better get around marking that next year on my calendar. Hero's duty.