*Clink*
The sound of the gate shutting behind me was a familiar one. I had heard it quite possibly thousands or even tens of thousands of times in the past 16 months. Anytime anyone wished to enter or leave the grounds of the Quarry Lane School through the back gate, the latch had to first be lifted while the gate was opened, and as the gate would close, a distinctive *clink* could be heard anywhere on the playground. This sound tonight was different though. There was a finality joined to this sound, one that echoed through the dark parking lot and reverberated in my mind. I knew the gate was secure behind me as I walked away, not looking back, because I had heard the *clink*. I also knew that I would probably never hear that gate make that sound again.
Tonight I walked away from a first love of sorts. My first real job out of college. If you were a part of my first love, my first attempt at being a grown-up, thank you. Thank you for letting me fall in love with you. The people that I worked with and the students that I worked for made every day worthwhile. I felt truly loved and appreciated tonight. That is why I did not look back while the latch was falling. I have those images and those memories seared into my concious, and I can still smile while the memories replay in my head. It's not that I don't appreciate the memories; on the contrary, I will cherish them for the rest of my life. I did not want to leave a blemish on any of those wonderful memories by looking back as the latch swung shut, marking an end to this era of my life. Instead, I will continue to look forward towards my next love, and hold tightly to the wonderful memories you have all given me that are dancing in my head tonight. Students, parents and staff--Thank you. I love you all.
-Scott