Moving Away

“It’s a strange thing for him to be leaving so soon!”
“I quite agree, friend. Strange, and quite sad. I know the Father is not happy about the whole affair.”
“Do you know why he’s moving away?”
“He had to have the inheritance now. The Father knows it isn’t time, but he demanded it. He can’t reject the Father’s word like that and stay, you know. In his heart, he’s already moved away.”
“Home won’t be the same without him.”
“No, it won’t. We’ll be the worse for it, those of us who stay.”
“I suppose that’s that, then.”
“No, there is hope for a homecoming. The Father is keeping watch. He has even said you and I might have some part to play in bringing the young man back home.”
“I would gladly give myself to such a labor. I miss him already.”
“Likewise.”
The bull and the ram continued their walk through the field in a thoughtful silence.