“No one’s perfect, but I believe everyone can learn from mistakes made. It would be a good idea for you to reevaluate the way you view yourself. What makes you happy, truly? You’re going to have lots of new experiences thrown at you as you tour the world. Are you ready for them? Keep an open mind. Find out who you are deep down, Monty. Rediscover the man who got squashed by someone who wasn’t worthy of him. Now’s the time, yeah?”
I got up and put away my book after glancing at the clock on the wall. “I have to go to work. I wish you all the best, Monty. Truly.”
I held out a hand and he shook it. “That means a lot to me, Ben. More than you know.” Slowly, he leaned in and kissed my cheek. “For what it’s worth, our one night together was the best I’ve ever had.”
I watched him walk to the door and exit the room. That’s that, then.
* * * *