Paine is Temporary

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A horse-drawn carriage rolled down the cobble-stone main road of the town of Paine.  Emblazoned in silver, cursive text on the carriage’s mahogany paneled doors was the name: Talmid Letter Company.   The old man in the carriage’s booth was 65 years strong.  Other men of his day had long passed to heaven, or cremation, or the nexus force, or whichever “next world” they so believed in.  But Isaac Talmid had a job to do.  The letter company was responsible for efficient mail delivery across the entire town of Paine, its suburbs, and two of the three neighboring towns.   The carriage rolled slowly through the misty morning, the driver was careful, and at the horse’s pace they were easily catchable by running feet.  Isaac heard the slapping of soles on the stones before the courier arrived at his window.  The courier was breathing heavily, and Isaac gave the boy a moment to catch himself.  Looking out at the dark haired, slightly scrawny and still in the process of filling out teenage youth, Isaac had it in his heart to smile.   “Take a breather,” the old man said, “and come in if you like.”  He reached out to take the courier’s messenger bag, and was delighted to find it empty.  It meant all the mail in it had been delivered.   He swung open the door to let the boy in, and once he faced him Isaac said, “Ready for another round?”   “Yes, sir.” the boy said.   “This one’s from me personally,” Isaac reached into his coat to procure a letter.  “I would have had Ethan or the regular man deliver it, but you’re here now and there’s nothing better than early mail.  The address is on the back.  Then you can go home, I can imagine the morning’s run must have tired you out.”   “Yes, sir.” the boy agreed.  He still looked a little winded, but in good spirits.  Isaac handed him the letter and sent him off.   Alone in the carriage again, Isaac was content with himself.  He knew that past the time he too would pass, the Talmid Letter Company would be in good hands.  There was only one thing more important to the old man than the success of his company, and it was the welfare of his grandson.