Being Bahama

A Remarkable Offer

One thing I love about being a member of the Beowulf Squadron (besides knowing a bunch of excellent pilots who can help me if I get into trouble) is the opportunity to get to know the other members.   They really are a nice bunch of people.  I wrote before about the generosity of one member.  It seems that it’s a quality that extends to the others in the group as well.

The other day I met Nian at my shop.  She invited me to come see her house located just on the other side of Theed.  It had recently been built and was largely unfurnished but it was stunning.  The house was huge.  The rooms were gigantic.  It was spacious while also being quite homey. 

And then there was the view.  Even though it was a cloudy day, standing on the rooftop patio inspired awe.  As we descended through the maze of corridors, I thanked her for taking the time to show me her incredible home.

As we reached the front steps, she told me how she’d noticed the dangerous creatures circling my shop and wondered if such a small house could provide enough space for my business.  As she talked the sun came out and the view of Theed, in all her glory, was before me.

Then she said, “Bahama, I’d like to offer you this house.” 

I stared at her in disbelief.  There was shock, then excitement at the thought of running my business out of such a beautiful place.  Then  came sadness as I thought about the loss of my shop… the one that stood in that same spot for so many years.  I stood for a moment and gazed at the view in silence.

Finally, I turned to her.  I told her that I was completely blown away that she’d offer me such a thing…. but that I’d have to decline.  As nice as her house was, I realized I really couldn’t be happier than I was with my little shop, surrounded by obnoxious creatures. 

She was sweet about it and said she understood.  She then offered to let me stay there with her on nights when a trip back to Journey’s End would be too much.  I readily accepted.  I can’t count the number of times I’ve resorted to sleeping on that couch in the back room of my shop!

Still, what she gave me was far more than access to a guest room.  Now each time I make that familiar trip from the starport to my shop, I’m reminded how much I love my little shop.  I once took it for granted because it was just what I had. Now I appreciate it because it’s what I chose.