Upon his arrival back in St. John’s, Adam prepared to return to life in residence. George and Isabella were sorry to have him move out but he promised to drop by every week for a visit. George had a new book that he was eager to discuss, and had even bought the young man, his own copy. Isabella had baked a batch of Adam’s favourite cookies for him to take back to residence. Most of his friends had returned for their second year, although some, including his former roommate Winston Janes, had decided to teach for a year and save some money towards next year’s tuition, rather than going with a student loan. His new roommate was Michael Jones from Botwood. Michael was also in his second year and they had seen each other around campus the year before, but hadn’t hung out with the same crowd. Nevertheless, they had soon forged a strong friendship and the school year was of to a good start.

The first sign that this might not be an ordinary year came near the end of September when Shane Fox, the only grandchild of George and Isabella Fox, was stuck and killed by a drunk driver while walking his girlfriend home after the two had watched a movie at the Paramount theatre. The young lady was taken to the General Hospital but released the following day. Shane’s parents and grandparents were naturally devastated. Adam, who was a friend of Shane’s, slept little that night, thinking of his friend and his friend’s grandparents who were now like a second family to him. Adam had no classes the following afternoon and after checking to see if they were home, set out for the house of George and Isabella Fox.

Walking along the street, Adam wondered what he would say, and even though he felt that he must go visit the couple, the closer he got to the house the more lost for words he seemed to be. The doorbell was answered by a frail George Fox, who seemed to have to have aged ten years since Adam had last seen him. His voice broke as he shook Adam’s hand and lead him inside. Isabella rose from the sofa on which she’s been lying and the two hugged as tears ran down the woman’s face. Unable to trust his voice, Adam continued to hug the elderly woman. George finally found his voice, “we knew you would come”, he said softly, and Isabella nodded in agreement. Old friends had been dropping by all morning, bringing donations of food and words of comfort. Over the next two hours, Adam listened attentively as the couple talked