Forrest sat up on a bench in his favourite park near John’s house, deep in his thoughts. The rain started to fall but that would not bother him, he had too much on his mind to care. He had his arms wrapped around his knees, staring blankly at the window of a nearby bakery. He watched as each drop of rain clashed against the window, making mosaic shapes before letting gravity do its work. He had run away from home after telling his mother what happened. His mother was naturally enraged, and in a moment’s haze had told him to leave.

Forrest turned his head as a familiar figure walked up and sat beside him. “I knew I would find you here. You okay, mate?” asked John.

Forrest shook his head, his eyes watery, and continued staring at the window. John whistled a soft tune which was met with a cold stare by Forrest. John looked at the window, confused as to why Forrest found it so interesting. When Forrest got tired of staring, he burrowed his head in the space between his chest and his knees, wishing the world around him would collapse. The only thing worse than watching his own brother’s funeral was having to fight for his country. The only thing worse for his mother than losing one son was losing both, however it looked like she had already lost both. He sighed and tried to cry. That was too difficult, however, given his emotional numbness.

Henry, why did you leave us?

At that very moment Henry landed on the grass beside Forrest and cooed. He jumped off of the bench and carefully caught Henry, cupping him in between either palm to protect him from the rain. He took some bird feed from his large backpack where he had three or four days worth of spare clothes and fed him from one hand. He watched the dove eat when a brilliant idea popped into his head. Excitement flashed across Forrest’s face, an expression John instantly recognised from years of mischief.

“John, didn’t you offer to help me find Margaret?” he asked with a huge grin.

“Yeah, I did, but how are you going to find her?” said John who also had a huge smile as well. He had no idea why he was suddenly so happy.

“I’m going to Manchester by train with Henry. If he could find her a couple of times, then maybe he can find her again,” replied Forrest.

“That’s crazy!” replied John, his smile suddenly faded. “How can you trust a dove to lead you there?”

“I have to believe, John!” said Forrest as he got up from his seat, looking ready to go. “I have to find her, she’s all that’s been on my mind since I found that letter.”

“I find it very hard to believe he will actually lead you there. And why should I help you?” questioned John as he grasped the arm-rest, firmly set on sitting there unless Forrest could give him a good reason to get up.

“You said so earlier yourself, we’ve known each other for over ten years. Remember how many times I’ve helped you with your girl problems? Remember Jessica?” said Forrest.

John stared at Forrest for a minute, trying to figure out whether this was for real or whether his friend was just crazy.

“So?” asked Forrest as he tapped his feet.

John sighed and decided to follow his friend’s crazy plans. “Fine, I’ll help you with the money. However I can’t go with you, I’ve school tomorrow, unlike you.”

“That was low,” replied Forrest, looking annoyed. “I’ll pay you back, I swear.”

“Fine, whatever. You won’t be able to carry the bird with you though,” said John. “I’ll buy you a bird carrier. Meet me at Victoria Station in twenty minutes and I’ll give you £5 and the carrier.”

Forrest grinned and gave John a huge hug and a kiss on the cheeks amid the excitement which took John by surprise causing him to tumble onto the ground. He would be just a day from seeing the girl he had only wrote to previously. He turned around and ran in the direction of Victoria Station, with Henry still in between his palms. John, on the other hand, strolled out of the park in the direction of the nearest pet shop.